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Carrier Strike Group 12 Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091022-02
Release Date: 10/22/2009 1:09:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brooks B. Patton, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group 12 conducted a change of command Oct 20.

Rear Adm. David H. Buss relieved Rear Adm. John N. Christenson during an official ceremony held at the Strike Group headquarters at Naval Station Norfolk.

Under his command, Christenson led USS Enterprise (CNV 65) through an extended dry-dock period and commanded Combined Task Force 64, a 43-ship Baltic Sea Task Group comprised of ships from 12 nations during Baltic Operations in 2009.

Christenson also served as U.S. 2nd Fleet's Executive Agent for Disaster Support to Civil Authorities and was responsible for crisis action planning for the continental United States crisis response. He also planned and executed both the Port Everglades and New York City Fleet Weeks.

Buss takes over after serving a 12-month deployment in Baghdad where he served as director, Strategy/Plans/Assessments to both Gen. David Petraeus and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno at Multi-National Force, Iraq.

Buss a native of Lancaster, Pa., graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. After his graduation he served with the "Fighting Tigers" of Attack Squadron 65. He also served as a department head in Attack Squadron 42 as well as being the executive officer on USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Buss has also commanded USS Sacramento (AOE 1) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

Enterprise is currently undergoing a maintenance period in the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard and training to maintain proficiency in preparation to return to the fleet.