Prepositioning ships squadron gets new chief

After being at the helm of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 for two years, Capt. John Bub, wrapped up his command tour during a change-of-command ceremony aboard USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) while in port Guam, May 12. (U.S. NAVY/REYNALDO T. RABARA)

GUAM—After being at the helm of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 for two years, Capt. John Bub wrapped up his command tour during a change-of-command ceremony aboard USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo while in Guam last May 12.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the prepositioning force, providing essential support to every branch of the armed forces,” Bub said. “This amazing staff and the incredible civil service and contracted mariner crews are critical to the success of our warfighters throughout this region.”

Capt. Steven Wasson, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, relieved Bub, as the commodore in charge of MSPRON 3.

“I am thrilled to be part of this important team in this strategic location,” he said. “Commodore Bub has set a solid foundation for our path going forward. Together, we will continue to support warfighters throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.”

Wasson who earned his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1999, graduated from the University of South Dakota and earned a Master of Science in management and information systems from Troy University.

Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3, or MPSRON 3, strategically places material and equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. armed services. This capability ensures critical supplies are delivered where and when needed and enables U.S. forces to rapidly respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“For the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working with John, getting a chance to understand his mission here with MPSRON 3 and how vital this support is for the fleet,” said Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander Joint Region Marianas, who was the guest speaker for the change-of-command ceremony. “The mission simply cannot be accomplished without the support, not only from prepositioning ships of MPSRON 3, but from the leadership that’s behind them. During Capt. Bub’s tour here, the team completed some impressive feats and made incredible strides.”

Under Bub’s leadership, MPSRON 3 orchestrated operations in support of nine major joint and multilateral exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific Area of Operations. During his tenure, Bub is credited with implementing innovative processes that save the Navy more than $12 million.

By LESLIE HULL-RYDE 
Military Sealift Command Far East