USS New Orleans (LPD 18) Change of Command

SASEBO, Japan – Capt. Kevin Dean relinquished command of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) to Capt. Steven Zielechowski during a change of command ceremony held in the ship's flight deck, Oct. 1, 2026.

Dean initially took command of New Orleans on Dec. 30, 2024 and led the ship through a successful seven month patrol in support of operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations, including the bilateral exercise Iron Fist with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and Operation Epic Fury and Ernest Tide.

“USS New Orleans is a proven, operational warship. It was the first LPD in the fight, and integrated Marines to the fullest extent I’ve ever seen,” said Dean.

Dean’s next assignment is Executive Officer of Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic.

Capt. Zielechowski takes command of New Orleans, after serving as deputy commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific and officer in charge of Naval Surface Group West Pacific Detachment Sasebo.

USS New Orleans, part of the Tripoli Amphibious Readiness Group, is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serves as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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