Amid praise for predecessor, Martin
takes command of USS Germantown
By Greg Tyler, Sasebo
bureau chief
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — Cmdr. Bradley Martin relieved Cmdr. Michael Abler as
the commanding officer of the USS Germantown during a change of command ceremony in the
ship’s well deck Friday.
The ship’s crew, decked out in dress white uniforms, stood in formation as they
watched one skipper depart and another take the helm. Okinawa’s 3rd Marine
Expeditionary Force Band provided music for the sailors, Japanese guests and others who
attended.
Rear Adm. Paul Schultz, commander of the 7th Fleet’s Amphibious Force, was the
guest speaker.
Abler began service as Germantown’s commander in February 2000, and led the ship
through several milestones, including the Battle "E" Award.
"Mike recognized from the very beginning that the bedrock upon which our Navy is
built is the inseparable relationship between the leader and his warriors," Schultz
said. "I’m proud of the fact that Mike leveraged the quality and enthusiasm of
his people into real readiness and real capability."
Abler leaves the Germantown to serve on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in
Washington.
Martin takes the reigns of Germantown after serving on the staff of Carrier Group FIVE
as the readiness and training officer.
"Today Brad and Beth Martin continue with another tour in Japan, a country they
love. They join us after serving on the Carrier Group FIVE staff, and on earlier Japan
tours including service on the USS Midway and USS Reeves," Schultz said.
"But this is a new time … a time of new, and perhaps, even greater
challenges," he added.
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