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USS Stout Holds Change of Command in Curacao

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060413-18
Release Date: 4/13/2006 4:54:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Enockson, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

CURACAO (NNS) -- Cmdr. Thomas K. Kiss relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey T. Griffin as commanding officer of USS Stout (DDG 55) during a change of command ceremony in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, April 9.

Stout is in the Caribbean participating in “Partnership of the Americas,” a deployment designed to enhance regional maritime security and strengthen ties through operations and exercises with Caribbean and Latin American partner nations.

“We are so pleased to be here,” said Kiss. “It is a privilege for us the ceremony could take on such a special island.”

Stout’s crew of 338 Sailors will have a chance to sightsee, enjoy recreational activities and participate in various community relation projects with the citizens of Curacao during their three day port visit. It marks the first port call for the ship, which left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., April 4.

Kiss assumes command following a tour with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C. During previous sea tours, he served as the executive officer of USS Cape St George (CG 71), main propulsion assistant aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and weapons control and combat systems officer aboard USS Princeton (CG 59).

Griffin, Stout’s ninth commanding officer, assumed command of the destroyer Sept. 29, 2005. As commanding officer, he oversaw the execution of an arduous six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

He was responsible for his command’s superior performance in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and various other operations and exercises with foreign navies. Under his command, DDG Crew LIMA was awarded the Maritime “E,” the Logistics “E,” CIWS (Close-In Weapons System) Excellence Award, Health and Wellness Award, and Intelligence Excellence Award. Griffin, a native of Grosse Point Park, Mich., will serve as a member of the Joint Staff, Chief of Staff, Washington, D.C.

In addition to the crew of Stout, many foreign officials and dignitaries were in attendance for the ceremony. Such visitors included the Consul General, Robert E. Sorenson from American Consulate in Curacao, Z.E. Frits Goedgedrag, Governor General from the Cabinet of the Governor, Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage, Prime Minister Netherlands Antilles from Council of Ministers, and Mrs. and Mr. L.M. Lisa Ricards-Dindial, Governor of Curacao from the Island Council.