Military

USS Bulkeley Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071218-07
Release Date: 12/18/2007 1:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson, Nassau Strike Group Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Cmdr. Richard J. Cheeseman relieved Cmdr. John T. Beaver as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) during a ceremony held on board the ship Dec. 17.

The guest speaker at the ceremony, Capt. Robert G. Lineberry, Commander of the Nassau Strike Group (NASSG), commented on what Beaver left behind.

"He has left a legacy for us to appreciate, and the ability to continue the outstanding leadership on board the greatest DDG there ever was or ever will be," said Lineberry.

Beaver was commissioned in 1987 following his graduation from the University of Mississippi. He served as the Commanding Officer of USS Avenger (MCM 1) before assuming command of the Bulkeley in June 2006.

Beaver's next duty assignment is to Deep Blue on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.

Cheeseman graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1989. In June 2004, he served as the officer in charge of the U.S. Naval Forces Korea Detachment in Chinhae, South Korea.

Currently preparing for its regularly scheduled 2008 deployment, the NASSG is made up of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, and projects sea power ashore by maintaining the capability of landing amphibious forces by helicopters, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft, and assault craft whenever and wherever the need arises.

For more news from USS Bulkeley, visit www.navy.mil/local/ddg84/.