Related: .
The Navy has announced that command of its Pacific Fleet surface forces, comprising 163 ships and 49,000 active-duty personnel, will change Thursday.
Vice Adm. Thomas Copeman will relieve Vice Adm. Richard Hunt as Commander, Naval Surface Forces and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during a ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer.
Copeman is a former commander of the San Diego-based guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold and was most recently the service's chief of legislative affairs.
Hunt has led the surface forces in the Pacific since June of last year. He has been appointed director of Navy staff in Washington, D.C.
Copeman will be responsible for the readiness of cruisers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and logistics and fleet support ships.
– City News Service
