Change of Command at NOLF IB for CRG-1

By Lt. Cmdr. Donnell Evans

Capt. Chris Peterschmidt relieved Capt. Eric Moss as commander of Coastal Riverine Group 1 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach, Calif., April 12.

Moss assumed command of CRG 1, previously titled Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1, in July 2011.

"Not a day has gone by during my tour, where I didn't realize and take a moment and think, that there was a Coastal Riverine Group 1 sailor on duty, and in harm's way, somewhere in the world," said Moss. "And it was that sailor who guided my own resolve to raise the bar on the headquarters staff to execute our man, train and equip mission to the fullest effectiveness possible."

Moss is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in 1983. Moss will retire after serving 34 years in the Navy.

Peterschmidt is a graduate of Marquette University and was commissioned an ensign in 1987. He previously served as Commander, Littoral Ship Squadron One and was directly involved in deploying littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS-1) on her first Western Pacific deployment to Singapore in March of 2013.

"I'm excited to be joining this professional group of sailors and leading them in dynamic and vital mission sets that are important to our Navy and nation," said Peterschmidt. "Having survived a waterborne improvised explosive attack, I fully understand the nature of the threat that we face today and how this command can serve to prevent such attacks again in the future."

Coastal Riverine Force operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CRF is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.