PACIFIC OCEAN - The commanding officer of amphibious dock landing ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) was promoted to the rank of captain during a small ceremony held in the ship's wardroom Aug. 1.
"It's been a while since I have had a ceremony to get promoted," Capt. Putnam H. Browne said to the crew. "If I can't have my family here, you guys are my alternate family and I really do appreciate that."
Browne was pinned by Green Bay's executive officer and command master chief in place of his family who could not attend.
"I'm honored to have been given the opportunity to pin him. It's been an absolute pleasure working for Cmdr. Browne and now Capt. Browne," said Command Master Chief Lee G. Bethel.
Browne assumed command of Green Bay in Feb. 2012. During his time as commanding officer, he led the ship out of an extensive planned maintenance availability and back to full operational readiness in preparation to deploy with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group.
"I'm glad to see him get promoted. I'm happy for him," said Cmdr. Tate Robinson, executive officer.
Browne's previous commands include executive officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in 2009, where he transitioned the ship from a Refueling and Complex Overhaul ship to a fleet ready aircraft carrier. He also completed a tour as both executive and commanding officer of the "Blue Blasters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34.
Browne has participated in operations New Dawn, Enduring Freedom, and Unified Response in Haiti. His personal decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Medal with a Combat "V", two Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit campaign and service ribbons.
Green Bay is currently underway as part of the Peleliu ARG conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Pacific Ocean.