An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from around the Fleet

USS Tripoli Holds Change of Command Ceremony

02 November 2023

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Maci Sternod

SAN DIEGO – Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA7) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, Nov. 2.
USS Tripoli Holds Change of Command Ceremony
231102-N-ML799-1592 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 2, 2023) – Capt. John Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), addresses the crew during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, Nov. 2. During the ceremony, Capt. Gary A. Harrington II relieved Kiefaber. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Olivia Rucker)
USS Tripoli Holds Change of Command Ceremony
USS Tripoli Holds Change of Command Ceremony
231102-N-ML799-1592 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 2, 2023) – Capt. John Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), addresses the crew during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, Nov. 2. During the ceremony, Capt. Gary A. Harrington II relieved Kiefaber. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Olivia Rucker)
Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Olivia Rucker
VIRIN: 240304-N-N0831-0004

SAN DIEGO – Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA7) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, Nov. 2.

Capt. Gary A. Harrington relieved Capt. John C. Kiefaber, who served as Tripoli’s third commanding officer since August 2022. Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3), Rear Adm. Randall W. Peck was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony.

In his remarks, Peck thanks Kiefaber for his service during his tour aboard Tripoli.

“John, thank you for your exceptional leadership, mentorship, and for always striving for excellence, said Peck. “Tripoli is a shining example of the Navy the nation needs because of you and your crew. I wish you all the best as you continue your career.”

Kiefaber thanked the crew for their dedication and hard work during his remarks.

“Tripoli has crushed all expectations since commissioning and it was such an honor serve with such a dedicated crew,” Kiefaber said. “I wish the new commanding officer and his crew success in carrying out their duties to protect our country.”

During his term from August 2022 to November 2023, Kiefaber, a native of Great Falls, Virginia, led the crew during the ship’s maiden deployment, exercise Steel Knight and the beginning of a selective restricted maintenance availability (SRA).

Kiefaber will report as executive officer at Tactical Training Group Pacific for his next tour.

Harrington, a La Vista, NE native, earned his commission from first class petty officer through the Seaman to Admiral Program in 1998 assumed command after serving as Tripoli’s executive officer since March 2022. A native of LaVista, Nebraska, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and business management, suma cum laude, and a master’s degree in business administration from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, he graduated from the Naval War College and Maritime Advanced Warfighting School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

“I am honored to report as your commanding officer,” Harrington said. “We have a challenging timeline ahead of us, but I have no doubt that this crew will be able to accomplish everything with which we are tasked.”

Harrington is the fourth commanding officer since Tripoli’s commissioning in July 2020.

Capt. Eddie J. Park assumed the duties as executive officer, Oct. 26. Park, was born in Seoul, South Korea, and is a native of New York City. He graduated from U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 and holds a master’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University with focuses in operations and management. He was designated a Naval Aviator upon completion of flight training in June 2002 and has earned various awards to include the Rear Adm. Tomaszeski Commanding Officer Leadership Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Association Peer Leadership Award.

“I’ve heard so many amazing things about Tripoli and her crew and I’m incredibility excited to join such a high-functioning team,” Park said.

Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault carrier homeported in San Diego.

 
 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea   |   PSC 478 Box 1   |   FPO AP, 96212-0001
Official U.S. Navy Website