By Steve White, Public Affairs Specialist
“[Lt. Menezes] took command of Dynamic a couple months before I took command at MARMC," Lannamann said. "All the great work the crew has done, all the great work Dynamic has done, can be attributed to him.”
Dynamic was built by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Eureka, California in 1944. Upon commissioning, Dynamic was assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 8 as USS AFDL 6, home ported in San Diego, California. In April 1962, Dynamic was deactivated and in August 1962, reactivated for transfer to Little Creek, Virginia.
Menezes took to the podium to thank his crew, guests, family and friends for being there. A special thanks was given to his wife, on this day, which also happened to be their wedding anniversary. Menezes attributed the successes to the crew of Dynamic.
“Dynamic’s motto, which you see in front of me, is 'Oldest and the Best,'" Menezes said. "My crew, standing at parade rest behind you, in impeccable uniforms, stands ready to crush any challenge that is thrown their way. Time and time again, they have proven our motto to be true. Dynamic’s crew – they are the true heroes. They are Sailors who, every day, pump energy, passion and love into a dry-dock that is over 70 years old. And they have done it against a myriad of financial material and manning challenges.”
Menezes and Hall both read their orders and Hall relieved Menezes of his duty as commanding officer of Dynamic.
“To the crew of Dynamic. It is both an honor and a privilege to be selected as Dynamic’s 18th commanding officer," Hall said. "Dynamic has been safely providing a platform to service United States naval vessels for over 75 years, and I look forward to continuing our winning streak.
Hall closed the ceremony expressing his happiness and excitement at his newest opportunity.
“My family and I look forward to the next two years and what they will bring," Hall said. "We couldn’t be happier to have joined Dynamic and this exceptional crew and command. It truly feels like we hit the lottery. Thank you for all the hard work you have done to get Dynamic to where she is here today and I look for forward to carrying that great legacy alongside the best crew in the United States Navy.”
Dynamic is self-sufficient in that it carries its own source of power, supplies and provisions as well as providing for ship repair services. Dynamic is suitable for docking Mine Countermeasure (MCM) and Patrol Coastal (PC) ships, Landing Craft Utility (LCU), and other service crafts of a similar size.