USS George Washington Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090410-21
Release Date: 4/10/2009 11:00:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos Gomez
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73), the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, held a change of command ceremony on board April 10.
Capt. J. R. Haley was relieved of command by Capt. David A. Lausman.
This was the GW's first change of command since arriving at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, September 2008 when the ship joined the forward-deployed naval forces.
Haley assumed command of George Washington in July 2008.
He supervised the transition of 900 USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Sailors as they transferred to George Washington in San Diego before its historic voyage to Japan.
"Although I've been in command for only nine months, my ties to these great Americans who served with me on George Washington are stronger than I could ever have imagined."
Haley also regarded his job as GW's commanding officer as "the finest job in the Navy."
After officially assuming command of GW, Lausman thanked Haley for his contributions to the ship and also thanked the ship's entire chain of command.
"The ship looks immaculate through your leadership and focus of the entire crew," Lausman said. "The chain of command is strong here, and I'm looking very forward to being a part of that."
Haley, who was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony, has more than 3,700 flight hours in a variety of aircraft and more than 1,000 carrier arrested landings.
His next assignment will be at Naval Forces Japan in Yokosuka, Japan.
Lausman's previous assignments include: commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), 7th Fleet's flagship; executive officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); and commanding officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14.
For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.
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