Photo By Lt.j.g. Erin Ray | Cmdr. Chance Smith relieved Cmdr. Adam Miller as commanding officer of USS Truxtun...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 12, 2023) – In front of special guests and assembled officers and crew, Cmdr. Chance Smith relieved Cmdr. Adam Miller as commanding officer of USS Truxtun (DDG 103) during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 12.
Miller became Truxtun’s 11th commanding officer in July 2022. During his tenure, he led the Truxtun crew through a successful deployment with the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group to U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of operations, followed by operating independently in U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Truxtun participated in several operations and integrated with the French Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group in the Red Sea, Bab-al Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Truxtun further represented the United States in international exercises such as Mare Aperto 22-2, Juniper Oak 23-2, AMAN 23, and IMX 23. This deployment also saw Truxtun operate off the coast of Sudan in support of the Department of State’s efforts to evacuate U.S. citizens.
“I am so proud of Truxtun's officers and crew,” said Miller. “From operating independently in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, to sailing alongside allied and partner nations in the Adriatic and Arabian Seas, Truxtun successfully and safely completed every mission thanks to the fantastic men and women who serve in this proud and proven warship. I am humbled and honored to have served alongside you as Captain. Truxtun will continue to be a warship ready for tasking under the confident and admirable leadership of Cmdr. Chance Smith.”
Smith is a Native of Summerland Key, Florida. He is a 2006 graduate of the Seaman to Admiral program from the Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies at the U.S. Naval War College.
As a career surface warfare officer, Cmdr. Smith’s shipboard assignments include: USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) as strike officer and navigator; USS Anzio (CG 68) as weapons and combat systems officer; and USS Truxtun (DDG 103) as executive officer. Ashore, he served as strike officer for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and assistant strike officer for Commander, U.S. Second Fleet and Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He was a military analyst for the Joint Staff J-7 Joint Lessons Learned Division and Futures and Concepts Division. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medals, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
“I am honored and humbled to lead Truxtun now,” said Smith. “I thank Cmdr. Miller for his exceptional leadership and mentorship over the last year and a half. I am thankful for my parents for molding me and my mentors for refining me to prepare me for this challenge. No matter the mission, Truxtun will be ready due to the pride and professionalism of her crew.”
USS Truxtun is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, commissioned on April 25th, 2009.
The ship is named for Commodore Thomas Truxtun, who was selected as one of the Navy’s first six captains on June 4th, 1798. She is the sixth ship to bear this name.
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2024 08:38 |
| Story ID: | 462045 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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Change of Command Ceremony
USS Truxtun (DDG 103)
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