Amphibious Squadron Three welcomes new commander
by Lt. Ryan Fleetwood
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 3 held a change of command ceremony aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in San Diego July 10.

CPR 3, which is part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, bid farewell to Capt. Jonathan M. Padfield, departing commander, and welcomed Capt. Dale G. Fuller.

Padfield, a native of Salt Lake City, said he was proud of how well CPR 3, Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) performed during his 17-month tenure as commander.

"The entire team was remarkable," said Padfield. "Comprised of CPR 3, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Benfold (DDG 65), as well as the Marines and Sailors of 15th MEU, this strike group conducted numerous theater security and maritime security operations in Fifth and Seventh Fleets, including a thwarted piracy attempt."

"This great group of men and women were ready to answer any call across the spectrum of conflict, either full combat operations to humanitarian relief," said Padfield. "I have known Captain Fuller for years, and I am turning the squadron over to a great surface warrior and a magnificent leader."

Fuller, a native of Philadelphia, took command of CPR 3 and thanked all those who have helped him to reach this high point in his Navy career.

According to Fuller, CPR 3 will continue to maintain the same high performance standards as the command had under Padfield's leadership.

"We will continue to lead the way ahead for the future of our nation's amphibious forces and provide the best possible support to all our ships and Marine brethren," said Fuller.

CPR 3 is one of nine U.S. Navy amphibious squadrons and is currently responsible for the amphibious assault ships USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the amphibious transport docks USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and the dock landing ships USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Germantown (LSD 42). CPR 3's primary mission is to command an amphibious ready group (ARG) and coordinate with an embarked MEU to perform assigned naval, joint or combined operations.