SAN DIEGO (Nov 10, 2021) Cmdr. John Actkinson, right, salutes Capt. Spencer Austin, commodore of Mine Division (MINEDIV) 12, to assume command as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) Gold crew during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Base San Diego chapel. The littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand)