USS Jackson (LCS 6) holds Change of Command ceremony (Van Wagoner '05 and Hoey '01)

Published on July 28, 2026

USS Jackson (LCS 6) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego on 22 July, with CDR Jim McLaughlin relieving CDR John Van Wagoner '05, USN, as commanding officer. During Van Wagoner's tenure, Jackson served as a key training platform, helping prepare five separate crews through basic, advanced and integrated training phases while supporting certifications and readiness exercises. 

CAPT James H. Hoey '01, USN, awarded Van Wagoner the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his leadership and accomplishments. Van Wagoner, a Naval Academy graduate from Annapolis, emphasized teamwork, resilience and his guiding philosophy in his farewell remarks.

Read the full article here.

BZ '05!

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