By: Lt. j.g. Ryan Mati, USS PIONEER (MCM 9)
SASEBO, Japan – USS PIONEER (MCM 9) conducted a change of command ceremony November 5.
LCDR Bobby J. Rowden relieved LCDR Todd B. Penrod as commanding officer of USS PIONEER.
“I would take the crew of USS PIONEER with me to any command. I will always remember those who have contributed greatly to the mission of PIONEER and the hard work put in to make a ship fully operational and the dedication of the crew to carry out countless missions with the greatest success. It was an honor to serve as Commanding Officer,” said LCDR Penrod.
Capt. Mike Dowling, Commodore, Naval Mine Countermeasures Squadron Seven (MCMRON 7), presented LCDR Penrod with a Meritorious Service Medal for his service as commanding officer of USS PIONEER.
"It's a real thrill to be taking command of PIONEER from LCDR Penrod. He was the best CO a crew and this XO could ask for. I'm inheriting a great crew, and can't wait to get out operate,” said LCDR Rowden.
During LCDR Penrod’s time as commanding officer, he successfully completed Mine Warfare exercises, certifications, and a hull swap, highlighting the importance of the Mine Warfare (MIW) mission. PIONEER also received all Battle “E” awards during LCDR Penrod’s tour.
USS PIONEER (MCM 9) was commissioned 07 December 1992, and forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, in 2014. PIONEER reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Admiral Hugh D. Wetherald who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.