USS Arlington change of command

ByPettyOfficer1stClassJohnBellino

USS Arlington (LPD 24)

NORFOLK Va Capt Ian J. Scaliatine relieved Capt Eric S. Kellum as commandingofficeroftheSanAntonio-classamphibioustransportdockshipUSSArlington(LPD 24),duringachangeofcommandceremony inNorfolk,Virginia,Aug.3.

“It is truly the honor of a lifetime to become the new commanding officer of Arlington,” said Scaliatine “I cannot put into words how humbled I am to lead this great ship and its crew.” Scaliatine a native of southern California, became the ninth commanding officer of the Arlington upon completionoftheceremony.

“I’d like to thank my predecessor Capt. Eric Kellum,” Scaliatine added “Arlington hasaremarkablydedicatedandwell-trained crew with an amazing culture; the officers, chiefs and Sailors make the hard look easy There is still a lot of work ahead but I look forward to all of the adventures and challenges because I’m confident this team will prevail.

Kellum’s previous assignment was a staff position with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington. In previous years, he notably served as the executive officer and commandingofficeroftheWhidbeyIslandclass dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD43).Kellum anuclearqualifiedsurface warfare officer and native of Beaumont, Texas, took command of the Arlington in August 2021. Under Kellum’s leadership, Arlingtonsuccessfullyprovidedhumanitarian aid to Haiti; completed a seven-month