The first change of command for the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS America will take place Thursday, as Capt. Michael Baze replaces Capt. Robert Hall, the Navy announced Monday.
The 844-foot America, commissioned last October, is the first in a new class of aviation-focused amphibious assault ships that are coming into service. They're replacing Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships, which are being decommissioned.
They can carry up to 1,700 Marines and support operations of the tilt- rotor MV-22 Osprey aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter jet, according to the Navy.
Baze, currently the America's executive officer, has served in San Diego-based helicopter squadrons in a variety of command positions and with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.
Hall was previously the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Porter, and has also held a variety of staff positions.
