Story by Lt. John Stevens, USS America (LHA 6)
SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 11, 2020) – Capt. Luke Frost, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), turned over command to Capt. Ken Ward, a native of Helena, Montana, during a change of command ceremony on board, Dec. 11.
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| Capt. Ken Ward, left, stands at attention as Capt. Luke Frost, middle, salutes Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, during a change of command ceremony aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). |
"Luke Frost and USS America have quite simply made history in their first year forward deployed to Seventh Fleet," said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7. "Captain Frost has embodied all the qualities we look for in our commanding officers and flawlessly led America's crew through two superb patrols sailing upon some of the most critical and strategic waterways in the world today. While we will miss Luke's leadership, I look forward to working with Captain Ken Ward as he takes command of this incredible warship following his outstanding performance as America's executive officer. Let there be no doubt that USS America remains in good hands."
Ward, who assumed command as part of the Navy surface force’s “fleet-up” model, served as the ship’s executive officer for fifteen months.
“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to follow Captain Frost in command of this talented and diverse team of dedicated professionals,” said Ward. “For our sailors’ families: you should be supremely proud of the critically important work and vast accomplishments of your daughters, sons, husbands and wives, serving on board USS America. I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve alongside each one of them.”
Ward, America’s sixth commanding officer, graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. Designated a naval aviator in 1999, he is a helicopter pilot whose embarked sea tours include USS McInerney (FFG 8), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Juneau (LPD 10), and USS Shiloh (CG 67). He served as executive officer and commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 deployed onboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
America, the lead ship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.