Military

USS Nassau Gets New Commanding Officer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070817-01
Release Date: 8/17/2007 8:17:00 AM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terrina Weatherspoon, USS Nassau Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Nassau (LHA 4) held a traditional change of command ceremony on Aug. 13 in the ship's hangar bay.

Capt. James R. Boorujy relieved Capt. John E. Roberti as the commanding officer of Nassua.

Roberti who is scheduled to become the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy in Washington, D.C., successfully completed his third tour aboard the Navy’s Top Gator.

In November 2000, Roberti reported to Nassau as the air boss, and once selected for major command at sea, was the ship’s executive officer from July 2004 to January 2006. Roberti assumed duties as the commanding officer on April 1, 2006.

Under his leadership, Nassau Sailors successfully completed a yard period, earned some of the highest marks across the waterfront during ship inspections and hosted the multi-national two-week exercise, Phoenix Express 2007.

“Set a positive attitude, be flexible, keep a sense of humor and demonstrate commitment,” said Roberti addressing Top Gator Sailors. “Take the time to walk through that open door offered to you and generate a plan for your future. Every morning you can decide what kind of Sailor you want to be, you choose the direction your life will take. Choose integrity and the highest standards of personal and professional conduct."

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Commander, Naval Education and Training, Rear Adm. Gary R. Jones.

“I am truly inspired by the leadership embodied by these two incredible naval officers and look forward to continuing to serve with you both,” said Jones. “But I look most forward to serving with you, the wonderful young men and women who have volunteered to serve this country in time of war,” he said pointing to the crew.

A Basking Ridge, N.J. native, Boorujy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He attended Nuclear Power training and also completed training at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

No stranger to command tours, Boorujy led the MCM Rotational Crew Charlie, in which he commanded the USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and the USS Ardent (MCM 12). On board Ardent, his crew completed a deployment to the Persian Gulf and earned the Battle Efficiency "E" Award in 1999.

His second command tour was the USS De Wert (FFG 45) where he completed a deployment with North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Standing Naval Surface Force, Atlantic. While deployed in support of the global war on terrorism, De Wert monitored shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean as part of Operation Active Endeavor. During this tour, De Wert won two consecutive Battle “E” Awards and was nominated for the Battenburg Cup as the best all-around ship in the Atlantic Surface Force.

Although never in command of an amphibious assault ship, Boorujy welcomes the change.

“I look forward to working with you all,” he said. “I must say that I am awed by the great responsibility ahead of me. I covet your prayers, wisdom and safety. God bless the USS Nassau and God bless America.”

Boorujy’s military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, and a Navy Achievement Medal.