Far East Hails

Navy medical personnel perform reconstructive surgery on an Indonesian patient June 2 aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). The surgery is one of many performed aboard the ship during Pacific Partnership 2012, a humanitarian and civic assistance mission throughout the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Michael Feddersen

Navy Cmdr. Stefan Wusstig relieved Navy Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Haney as commanding officer of Military Office Diego Garcia May 22. Wusstig, a reservist with Kansas City, Mo.-based MSC Far East Reserve Unit 102, will serve as acting commanding officer until a permanent replacement is assigned by the Navy's Bureau of Personnel. MSC Far East commander Navy Capt. Chip Denman presented Haney with a Meritorious Service Medal recognizing his outstanding one-year tour of duty.

Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three changed leadership when Navy Capt. Richard Rainer relieved Navy Capt. Deidre McLay at the American Memorial Park on Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, May 25. Guests included representatives from the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. National Park Service. Denman presented McLay with the Legion of Merit, recognizing her outstanding one-year assignment with the squadron.

Finally, in Busan, Republic of Korea, civilian master Capt. Patrick Rathbun and the crew of USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313) hosted a change of command ceremony where Navy Cmdr. Thomas Plott relieved Navy Cmdr. David Bartell as commanding officer of MSC Office Korea. More than 150 guests attended, including U.S. Army personnel, port officials, Republic of Korea military personnel and members of the local community. Denman presented Bartell with a Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service during his two-year assignment.

Cmdr. David Bartell, outgoing commanding officer of Military Sealift Command Office Korea, congratulates Cmdr. Thomas Plott, right, who assumed command of MSCO Korea during a late May ceremony presided over by Capt. Chip Denman, commander, MSC Far East.

Capt. Ryan White, prospective civilian master of USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) visited Denman and MSC Far East staff members during a one-day orientation visit to the command before reporting aboard the ship.

Maritime Day Celebrations

On the pier at Singapore's Sembawang Wharves, MSC Far East staff members joined crewmembers from USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) May 23, where each attendee placed a Singaporean flower in the water to honor and remember those merchant marines who have fallen in the line of duty.

In the Republic of Korea, MSCO Okinawa joined civilian master Capt. Jon Skoglund and the crew of MV Vice Adm. K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) pierside, where Skoglund placed a wreath in the water honoring the U.S. Merchant Marine and seafarers worldwide.

At Diego Garcia, Navy Capt. David Tidwell, commanding officer, Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia; and MV LTC John U.D. Page Chief Mate Kevin Smith spoke at a ceremony that included more than 200 guests.

At Okinawa, Japan, MSCO Okinawa operations officer Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Gene Palabrica and administrative officer Yeoman 1st Class Hoang Nguyen attended a ceremony at Okinawa's United Seamen's Service Center.