Bassfield native takes command in San Diego

(The following press release and image were submitted to MyFOX23.com from the U.S. Navy.)

IMPERIAL BEACH, California (NNS) – During the Coastal Riverine Squadron Three (CRS-3) Change of Command ceremony, Cdr. Randy Chestang IV relieved Cdr. Mark Postill onboard Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach, Feb. 2.

“I’m both excited and humbled for this opportunity,” said Chestang. “It’s an honor and privilege to have command of such outstanding Sailors. I look forward to the next 18 months together and the great things we will accomplish.”

Chestang, a native of Bassfield, Mississippi who previously served as the executive officer of CRS-3, expressed the honor he felt in taking command.

Chestang enlisted in the United States Navy in 1991 as a Yeoman. A U.S. Navy Yeoman performs clerical and administrative duties, counsel personnel on administrative matters, and serve as office managers.

In 1999, he graduated from Southern University and A&M College with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and received his commission through the Navy ROTC program.

"I joined the Navy to afford an opportunity to go to college without debt. I was able to do that with a Navy ROTC Scholarship and GI Bill," said Chestang. "I stayed in the Navy because it is an exciting job where no day is the same. These daily challenges kept me on my toes and made me learn to prepare, adapt and respond as a leader and professional. I love it!" Chestang both deployed with CRS-3 during the squadron’s 2017 deployment in support of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Pacific Command. While deployed, the 420 Sailors of CRS-3 provided force protection and security escort for over 300 U.S. vessel port visits, as well as organic security and intelligence support for U.S. Navy support ships underway in the Mediterranean Sea.

CRS-3 is one of three riverine squadrons that reports to Coastal Riverine Group One, also headquartered at Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach. The primary mission of the Coastal Riverine Force 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.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations, which is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.