Navy

PACIFIC OCEAN – Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 held a change of command ceremony June 2 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), while conducting operations off the coast of southern California.

Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick turned command over to Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander as commander, CSG 9.

“It’s been the honor and privilege of my career to lead this incredible group of Sailors the past two years,” said Chadwick. “I leave you in the hands of one of the finest Naval officers I know, and I ask that you give Rear Adm. Alexander the same high level of support and professionalism as you have to me.”

Chadwick took command of CSG 9 in July 2021, leading a team comprised of USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Lake Erie (CG 70), six guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron 23, and 80 aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 11. During his two years in command, he oversaw the completion of an 18-month maintenance availability and follow-on Fleet certifications for Theodore Roosevelt.

Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, served as presiding officer and guest speaker for the ceremony.

“Adm. Chadwick guided this strike group through an extraordinary period, ensuring the Nation can continue to rely on its ships, aircraft and Sailors to protect and defend our way of life,” said Boyle. “He was the right leader to guide this fighting team at this crucial time in our history, and our Navy and Nation are stronger as a result.”

Chadwick and Alexander, in keeping with time-honored Navy tradition, marked the ceremonial changing of command by reading their orders from the podium.

“It’s an honor to be taking command of Carrier Strike Group 9 at this critical time in our Nation’s history,” said Alexander. “This team – and the Sailors who make our mission success possible – are moving with purpose through our deployment workup cycle. We are ready to answer the call and to ensure a safe and open Indo-Pacific as a direct result of Rear Adm. Chadwick’s insightful and forward-thinking leadership.”

Alexander’s previous assignment was as commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. (additional info needed on background – where is he from?)

CSG 9’s mission is to plan and conduct operations and exercises in a variety of warfare areas including surface, subsurface and air while participating in the employment of Navy assets and assisting type commanders in the preparation and execution of employment and training schedules. They are based in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility operating as part of naval forces in the Indo-Pacific.

To learn more about Theodore Roosevelt, visit https://www.navy.mil/USS-THEODORE-ROOSEVELT and www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSTR-CVN71.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (June 1, 2023) – Military and support personal assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio gathered to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Midway at the Tri-Service Research Laboratory.

The Battle of Midway, one of the most important battles of the Pacific campaign in World War II, occurred between June 4 and 7, 1942. It is considered by many historians to be the most decisive engagement in modern naval warfare.

Opening remarks were delivered by Capt. Gerald DeLong, commanding officer of NAMRU San Antonio.

“This battle is considered by many historians to be the most decisive engagement in modern naval warfare,” said DeLong, of Belvidere, Ill. “It’s proper that NAMRU San Antonio hold a tribute in remembrance of the 81st anniversary of this historic encounter.”

A Battle of Midway script was read by Cmdr. Rachel Werner, NAMRU San Antonio’s military deputy to the chief science director, followed by a video produced by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Afterwards, Chief Hospital Corpsman Joseph Redmann, of Houston, assigned to the unit’s Resource Management and Acquisitions Directorate, provided a brief history on USS Enterprise (CV 6 – CVN 65) in which he was assigned early in his career as an interior communications electrician.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all in attendance enjoyed cake and socialization.

NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.