Nimitz Celebrates Change of Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090824-09
Release Date: 8/24/2009 10:29:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Scott A. McCall, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) held a change of command ceremony July 24 aboard Nimitz in Yokosuka, Japan.
Capt. Paul O. Monger relieved Capt. Michael C. Manazir as Nimitz commanding officer.
Rear Adm. John Miller, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, commented on the extraordinary amount of success Nimitz attained under the command leadership of Manazir.
"Captain Manazir, congratulations on an outstanding tour. Your 29 months as 'old salt' were marked by a multitude of operational successes, inspirational leadership and superb mentorship," said Miller during the ceremony. "Your extraordinary efforts assured Nimitz as the finest flagship in the fleet."
Manazir attributed his success to the support of his family and the Nimitz crew.
"I am most proud of their ability to always score a touchdown, walk back to the 20 yard line and set up again, never celebrating in the end zone. Most surprisingly, you look into their eyes, you see eagerness to succeed, devotion to their duty and the highest morale on the waterfront," said Manazir.
Manazir served as Nimitz's commanding officer since 2007, completing two Western Pacific deployments, landing more than 20,000 sorties, steaming more than 130,000 miles of ocean and participating in multiple exercises like Valiant Shield, Malabar and Foul Eagle. While under Manazir's command, Nimitz also made a historic port visit to the city of Chennai, India.
Before becoming the 15th commanding officer of Nimitz, Monger deployed as an individual augmentee to Djibouti, Africa, as the chief of staff for the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.
"I think we owe Captain Manazir an incredible 'thank you' for what he has done," said Monger, "He's done a magnificent job on getting this team ready to deploy and start you on this journey."
Even though Manazir's leadership will be missed by the crew, Monger said that he knows the Nimitz team will carry on the same standard of excellence and the same impeccable standard in every thing they do.
"You guys on Nimitz have formed one of the most cohesive and tight-knit teams I have ever seen," said Monger. "I think that has been the foundation for your success. I look forward to working with you as we continue to make teamwork a tradition."
Manazir's next assignment will be in the Pentagon.
Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, commander of CSG 11, is comprised of USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the guided-missile destroyers USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Sampson (DDG 102) of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 55) from Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid Pacific and the Perry-class frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) from DESRON 1.
Squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117.
Detachments from the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45 and the "Scorpions" of HSL 49. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10), embarking the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 also accompany Nimitz CSG.
For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.
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