SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 12, 2019) – Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 held a change of command ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo where Cmdr. Greta Densham was relieved by Cmdr. Kirk Sowers, Dec. 12.
“It has been an incredible opportunity, and I am honored to have had the chance to lead the Sailors of this ‘one of a kind’ command,” said Densham. “The NBU 7 team continues to deliver day in and day out, and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow and perform under Cmdr. Sowers.”
Under Densham’s leadership, the NBU 7 team successfully completed four landing craft utility (LCU)/landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessments, eight forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) deployments, 20 multi-lateral exercises, and two disaster relief efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. In November, the unit participated in Tiger Triumph, the first-ever tri-service exercise involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
“The NBU 7 team has done an amazing job advancing our key relationships with allies and partners to safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7. “Cmdr. Densham’s commitment, passion and competence make her a phenomenal leader, and I couldn’t be more proud of Greta and her team’s long list of accomplishments in a very complex and dynamic environment.”
"I am grateful and feel very privileged to serve as NBU 7’s next commanding officer,” said Sowers. “To have an opportunity to lead this command into the next chapter is a true highpoint in my career. For the past eighteen months, the Sailors of NBU 7 have continually exceeded all expectations in a very dynamic FDNF environment, and I am very proud to see what the future holds for this very unique command."
Sowers took command after serving as executive officer of NBU 7.
The NBU 7 mission is to provide forward-deployed beach party teams, LCAC, and LCU detachments that are fully trained, properly manned, interoperable, well maintained, and combat-sustainable to conduct amphibious operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet littoral environments. NBU 7, part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.