USS HALSEY HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND
By Lt. j.g. Kendra Crabbe, USS Halsey’s Public Affairs Officer
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (March 5, 2010) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) held a change of command ceremony while pierside, March 5.
Commander Matthew J. Harrison relieved Commander Robert E. Beauchamp as Commanding Officer.
“Simply put, this has been the best, most rewarding job of my career,” said Beauchamp in his final address to Halsey’s Crew. “Men and women mean more than guns in the rating of a ship; this is a fundamental truth in our Navy. The ability, the training, the education, the motivation and the performance of these Sailors has been second to none. It has been humbling for me to serve with them.” said Beauchamp.
A native of Columbia, Maryland, Commander Matthew “Jordy” Harrison received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He also carries a Master of Science Degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
Harrison is Halsey’s fifth Commanding Officer since the ship’s commissioning in June of 2005. Beauchamp will report for his next assignment to Carrier Strike Group Ten in Norfolk, VA.
“Serving the past fifteen months with Commander Beauchamp and Team Halsey has been the highlight of my career. The accomplishments of the crew in surpassing every operational requirement during the Unit Level Phase of training has been phenomenal, a constant reminder that the Sailors of our Navy are the finest in the world. It is an absolute honor to serve in her and in the wake of Commander Beauchamp,” said Harrison. Commander Harrison is taking command of his first vessel.
Halsey is homeported in San Diego, California. She is scheduled to operate with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group later this year.