On September 8th during a change of command ceremony, Lafayette Hill native Cmdr. Joseph D. Foster (pictured left), relieved Cmdr. Anthony S. Massy (pictured right) as the commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). Foster takes command as the ship transitions from an arduous sustainment phase to a long yard period as USS Curtis Wilbur enters the maintenance phase.
Most recently, Curtis Wilbur completed patrols throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, including the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. Underway highlights also include freedom of navigation operations, Taiwan Straits transits and multi-lateral exercises with partner navies. Additionally, Curtis Wilbur recently executed a homeport shift after 25 years of being forward-deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
“Day in and day out you put in the hard work that produces awe inspiring results.” said Foster during the ceremony. “I am committed to showcasing your amazing work to our community and continuing our reign of success. I look forward to serving as your Commanding Officer, continuing to bring positive changes to the Ship and cultivating innovative solutions”
Foster was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School. Previously he served as the Executive Officer of USS Curtis Wilbur.
As of 2021, Foster has served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Electrical Officer, USS Halyburton (FFG 40); Combat Systems Maintenance Officer, USS Tarawa (LHA 1); and Chief Engineer, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56). Ashore, in addition to studying at the Naval Postgraduate School, he served as the DDG 1000 Requirements Officer at OPNAV N96 and Principal Assistant Program Manager for Ship Integration and Test at PEO Integrated Warfare Systems 8.0. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (five), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), and various campaign, service and unit awards.
USS Curtis Wilbur is Home ported in San Diego, CA and part of U.S. 3rd Fleet, which leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works consistently with U.S. 7th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.
Photo By Lt.j.g. David Glaser