JEB Little Creek - Fort Story –
Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center’s (MARMC) floating dry-dock Dynamic (AFDL 6) welcomed her 18th commanding officer (CO), as Lt. Cmdr. Seth Hall relieved Lt. Edward Menezes during a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, Oct. 31.
Introduced by Dynamic Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Dustin Eidson, MARMC Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Lannamann thanked Lt. Menezes for his hard work over the last two years.
“Ed took command of Dynamic a couple months before I took command at MARMC. I have a quote here that he made to the Dynamic crew: ‘I will constantly strive to make sure you are trained, mentored and developed and offered opportunities to excel both personally and professionally. We will sustain mission excellence for both our customers and the Navy. Remember, standards drive success.’” Lannamann said. “Ed, you’re a man of your word. Anyone who knows Ed knows that certainly came true. That’s how he runs Dynamic. All the great work the crew has done, all the great work Dynamic has done, can be attributed to you.”
Dynamic (AFDL 6) was built by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, Eureka, California in 1944. Upon commissioning, Dynamic was assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron EIGHT as USS AFDL 6, home ported in San Diego, California. In April 1962, Dynamic was deactivated and in August 1962, reactivated for transfer to Little Creek, Virginia.
“There were lots of LCU’s – 18 at least, in and out over the course of Ed’s command. INSURV on the barge, numerous CMAV’s and lots of riverine combat craft.” Lannamann added. “Interestingly enough, we offered a dry-docking course. That’s where you learn how to operate the dock, learn how to do the calculations to ensure that the ship is lifted up, where and when you want it lifted up so it lands on the blocks.”
Menezes took to the podium to thank his crew, guests, family and friends for being there. A special thanks was given to his wife, on this day, which also happened to be their wedding anniversary. Menezes attributed the successes to the crew of Dynamic.
“Dynamic’s motto, which you see in front of me, is ‘Oldest and the Best.’ My crew, standing at parade rest behind you, in impeccable uniforms, stands ready to crush any challenge that is thrown their way,” Menezes said. “Time and time again, they have proven our motto to be true. Dynamic’s crew – they are the true heroes. They are Sailors who every day pump energy, passion and love into a dry-dock that is over 70 years old. And they have done it against a myriad of financial, material and manning challenges.”
Menezes charged the crew with continuing their successes. “As I reflect on our time together, I can assure you the challenges you faced as a team have made you better professionals,” Menezes said. “I hope you can see as much as I do how much each one of you has grown as a Sailor. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, Dynamic, and the Navy. Dynamic’s wins are yours. I simply provided the direction. You, all of you, were the driving force. I know you will provide the same support and energy to Lt. Cmdr. Hall. Remember, standards drive success, and the watch standers who guide the watch will never ever lead you astray.”
Menezes and Hall both read their orders and Hall relieved Menezes of his duty as commanding officer of Dynamic.
“To the crew of Dynamic. It is both an honor and a privilege to be selected as Dynamic’s 18th commanding officer. Dynamic has been safely providing a platform to service United States naval vessels for over 75 years, and I look forward to continuing our winning streak,” Hall said. “As commanding officer, I look forward to ensuring you receive the training and resources required to continue this mission.”
Hall closed the ceremony expressing his happiness and excitement at his newest opportunity. “My family and I look forward to the next two years and what they will bring. We couldn’t be happier to have joined Dynamic and this exceptional crew and command,” Hall said. “It truly feels like we hit the lottery. Thank you for all the hard work you have done to get Dynamic to where she is here today and I look for forward to carrying that great legacy alongside the best crew in the United States Navy.”
Dynamic is self-sufficient in that it carries its own source of power, supplies and provisions, as well as providing for ship repair services. Dynamic is suitable for docking Mine Countermeasure (MCM) and Patrol Coastal (PC) ships, Landing Craft Utility (LCU), and other service crafts of a similar size.