USS Russell Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080117-04
Release Date: 1/17/2008 11:17:00 AM
By Ensign Theresa Donnelly, USS Russell Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A change of command ceremony was held underway aboard the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), Jan. 14.
Cmdr. Jeffrey Weston relieved Cmdr. Brad Cooper as both commander's families and ship's crew in attendance to take part in the ceremony.
Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Adm. Van Buskirk and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 9, Capt. James Loeblein each took a moment to recognize the ship's accomplishments while under Cooper's leadership as commanding officer.
"You guys epitomize excellence and you are the standard that the fleet aspires to," said Buskirk.
"You are proud, you're confident, and you're professional," Loeblein told the crew. "Russell has and will continue to sail smartly in defense of the freedoms that we cherish as Americans."
Cooper assumed command of Russell in August of 2006. Under his stewardship, the ship received the 2006 Battle Efficiency "E" award, recognizing a combination of achievements in the following warfare areas: Maritime Warfare, Engineering/Survivability, Command and Control and Logistics Management.
Additionally, last fall the ship received the highest Board of Inspection and Survey exam score in the last six years and was one of only three ships in the Pacific fleet ever to certify at Ultra Level Readiness, Engineering inspection.
Most recently, the ship has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Ney Award, given annually to the best food service organization in the fleet.
After receiving a Meritorious Service Medal and performing an on-the-spot promotion to Culinary Specialist 1st Class Derrick Compton, Cooper took a moment to reflect on his tour while serving as Russell commanding officer.
"Today marks an occasion where we can relive many of the concepts and ideals that we've lived during our tour on this great ship," said Cooper. "Pride, character, achievement, readiness, and when it's appropriate: thanks."
When asked what it was like leaving the ship as commanding officer, Cooper said, "I am proud and honored beyond words."
Cooper's next assignment will be to U.S. Africa Command, where he will be part of the commander's action group as a special assistant to the deputy commander under Vice Adm. Robert Moeller.
After the ceremony, many of the crew reflected on Cooper's time on board.
"I am so honored to have served under someone as wonderful of a leader as Commander Cooper," said Russell's Assistant Communications Officer, Ensign Lisa Bydairk.
"It's sad to see him go but I am optimistic about the future working under Cmdr. Weston," said Damage Controlman Fireman Derek Holder.
Weston enlisted in the Navy in 1979 and entered into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program. In 1990, he was selected into the Limited Duty Officer Program while serving as an instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School.
His most recent assignment was a Pentagon tour to the OPNAV Staff, N86 Surface Warfare Directorate as a requirements officer for Network Integration and Combat Systems.
Russell departed Pearl Harbor on the day of the ceremony to participate in Joint Task Force Exercise and to prepare for its upcoming Unit Level Training Assessment-Sustainment inspection. The ship is currently assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group and will join the carrier on its upcoming deployment.
"It's hard to express the excitement that I feel right now," said Weston. "It really is an incredible opportunity to command a warship like this."
For more news from U.S. Joint Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/usjfc/.
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