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Blue Ridge Gets New Commanding Officer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070328-02
Release Date: 3/28/2007 6:57:00 AM

From USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs Office

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) welcomed a new commanding officer March 27, when Capt. David Lausman relieved Capt. Jeff Bartkoski.

Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, U.S. 7th Fleet Commander, was the keynote speaker of the ceremony held on the ship’s flight deck.

Bartkoski, who assumed command of Blue Ridge in September of 2005, was the first naval aviator to do so. Under his command, Blue Ridge participated in many joint and multinational exercises within the Pacific, engaging host countries with military-to-military talks and community service projects. Blue Ridge also earned its fourth straight Battle Efficiency “E” award and ninth unit wellness Green “H” under Bartkoski’s command.

The ship also made historic visits to Shanghai, China, and Vladivostok, Russia, during Bartkoski’s tour. The final leg of his command saw the officers and crew participate in Project Friendship, a 10-day humanitarian/community service project that touched communities in Manila, Cebu, and General Santos City in the Philippines..

Bartkoski leaves Blue Ridge for the U.S. Strategic Command, headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he will be developing desired characteristics and capabilities for global missile defense operations and support for missile defense. This includes planning, integrating and coordinating global missile defense operations and support (sea, land, air and space-based) for missile defense, something Bartkoski said will ensure he continues to serve the joint interests for this region.

During his farewell remarks, Bartkoski talked about the special relationship Blue Ridge shares with the community of Yokosuka and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

“We all live and work side by side, together as friends,” Bartkoski said. “The trust we have in each other and the gracious hospitality you bestow on us have forged a bond that will continue to be the strongest alliance in Asia, an alliance to preserve peace and stability. To the many members of this community and JMSDF that came today, I thank you for your commitment to the bond we share and for your personal friendship.”

After offering thanks to the wardroom officers and chief petty officer’s mess, Bartkoski shifted focus to the crew, whom he referred to as the heart of Blue Ridge. He thanked his Sailors for their non-stop support of the command, its mission of supporting the staff of U.S. 7th Fleet and for representing him and the United States with honor.

“These are the superstars of this ship, the ambassadors of our nation,” Bartkoski said of his Sailors. “These are to whom the accolades rest. I know you take pride in your ship. I consider it a privilege to have served alongside each of you.”

After Bartkoski read his orders, Lausman did the same before taking over the reigns of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship. Both reported to Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, signifying the change of command.

Lausman said he looks forward to working closely with the JMSDF, governmental, prefectural and local organizations of Japan to support, sustain and enable the alliance shared between the U.S. and Japan.

“The main source of this strong alliance is due to our great navies,” Lausman said. “In January of 2005 the world watched as we participated together in Operation Unified Assistance, working together to provide critical humanitarian relief supplies to the Aceh Province in the wake of the tsunami disaster. The world again watched last summer as our navies worked seamlessly together in response to various escapades from the northern part of the peninsula to the west. Time and time again the strength of this alliance has been critical to providing stability to the region.”

Lausman also expressed his pride in becoming the new commanding officer of Blue Ridge and the vital role it plays as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. He then addressed his new crew, outlining their responsibilities in the process.

“Each of you play’s a vital role in the success of this ship. You are the most important and valuable resource of the ship,” he said. “Without you, Blue Ridge is nothing more than a floating mass of metal and equipment. You are experts in operating all of the equipment and systems. You bring her to life and sustain and enable 7th Fleet to complete her mission in one of the most critical areas of responsibility in the world. You constantly demonstrate your impeccable professionalism and citizenship and I am proud to be your shipmate.”

Lausman received a bachelor of science in education from Wayne State University in Detroit, then entered the U.S. Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in October 1982. He successfully completed flight training in July 1984, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Fla.

As a naval aviator, Lausman’s tours include numerous helicopter squadrons, both as a pilot and a commander. He has also attended the Naval War College and graduated in June 1997, with a master's degree in national security and strategic studies. Some of his other tours include U.S. Pacific Command J6 Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Systems Directorate, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) executive officer and assistant chief of staff for operations, plans and exercises at U.S. Naval Forces Japan.

Lausman's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and unit citations. He has flown more than 5,300 flight hours.

Blue Ridge is serves under Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.