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    Admiral Howard Takes Command of ESG-2 and CTF 151

    ABOARD USS BOXER, AT SEA

    04.05.2009

    Story by Lt. John Fage 

    U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

    USS BOXER, At Sea – Rear Adm. Michelle Howard assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 during a ceremony held on board USS Boxer today and relieved Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, ESG 2's commander since November 2007.

    In addition to relieving McKnight as the ESG 2 commander, Howard assumes command of several U.S. 5th Fleet task forces, including Combined Task Force 51 and 59, as well as CTF-151, an international maritime coalition created to disrupt, deter and thwart piracy.

    "I'm very fortunate to follow behind Admiral McKnight," said Howard. "He and the staff have done a terrific job in standing up CTF 151. His leadership will be missed on the waterfront."

    As commander of ESG 2, McKnight was responsible for all of the amphibious assets based on the U.S. East Coast and upon deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet's area of operations in January 2009, he assumed command of CTF 151.

    McKnight said commanding ESG 2 has been an incredible experience and one he will never forget.

    "This has definitely been one of the more exciting assignments of my career," he said. "Not only did I never think I'd be sailing the ocean chasing pirates, I certainly never thought I'd be doing it alongside the navies of so many different countries, especially Russia and China."

    "My time at ESG 2 has been amazing," McKnight continued. "In addition to all the exercises and contingencies we were involved with before we deployed, I was privileged enough to have hosted a Great White Fleet event in New York City along with my staff and we also played a big part in the grand re-opening of the Intrepid museum during Veterans Day Weekend 2008. Those two events will certainly remain cherished memories when I look back at my career."

    As the first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship, Howard said she understands the magnitude of bridging cultural and international gaps.

    "ESG 2 has executed the three missions they're responsible for without missing a beat," she said. "My top priority right now is to deter piracy here in the Gulf of Aden. I want to continue the extensive international coordination Admiral McKnight started. That's the true key to defeating piracy. Piracy is a problem that affects all maritime nations and requires an international solution. I'm looking forward to working with naval professionals from around the world on this vital mission."

    CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.

    Howard previously served as Senior Military Assistant to the secretary of the Navy.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.05.2009
    Date Posted: 04.05.2009 10:29
    Story ID: 32036
    Location: ABOARD USS BOXER, AT SEA

    Web Views: 715
    Downloads: 626

    PUBLIC DOMAIN