The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) held a change of command ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, Dec. 22.
Capt. Robert T. Bryans Jr. relieved Capt. James Storm as commanding officer of Mobile Bay.
Rear Adm. Michael A. Wettlaufer, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, presided over the ceremony, and praised Storm for his efforts and progress made during his time in command of Mobile Bay.
“Captain Storm has done nothing but meet my expectations,” said Wettlaufer. “Storm made sure the crew of the Mobile Bay was ready to war fight. He understood my intentions, and I never had a doubt he’d be able to meet them.”
During his command, Storm focused on transitioning his crew’s mindset from working through a maintenance period, to performing as a successful unit able to support the John C. Stennis Strike Group mission.
“Transitions are when we’re most vulnerable and challenged, but it also presents time for opportunity,” said Storm. “From the ship being torn apart one year ago, to executing like the ship has, there’s proof in my mind that we’ve managed the transitions okay, and that’s an extension of the crew.”
Bryans, A graduate of Old Dominion University, received his commission through the enlisted commissioning program. He previously served as executive assistant to commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
“When I think back 31 years ago as a young Sailor, a mark of a great commanding officer was one that ensured that his crew was ready, trained, able to fight and win in combat at sea, and that’s exactly what Capt. Storm has done with the crew aboard the Mobile Bay,” said Bryan. “I look forward to leading the crew and carrying on what Capt. Storm has done and what the Sailors of the Mobile Bay are doing.”
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
| Date Taken: | 12.22.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.24.2018 05:37 |
| Story ID: | 305016 |
| Location: | ARABIAN GULF |
| Web Views: | 168 |
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