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USS Mount Whitney Welcomes New Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100813-13
8/13/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Sylvia Nealy, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- USS Mount Whitney held a change of command ceremony Aug. 12.

Capt. Karl Thomas was relieved by Capt. Jeffrey Ruth.

"Captain Thomas and his crew delivered across the board and measurably contributed to all our lines of effort in theater," said Rear Adm. John M. Richardson, deputy commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, who served as guest speaker. "Under your command, Mount Whitney executed all missions and answered every bell, providing superb support to numerous U.S. and international command staffs."

Richardson also stressed Thomas' dedication to his crew.

"Your leadership, characterized by your personal integrity and your desire to do the right things, inspired your crew and their families," said Richardson.

Richardson also awarded Thomas the Legion of Merit.

"I'd like to start by saying to my team, thank you for all you've done," said Thomas. "This award is yours and I'll wear it proudly and think of each and every one of you each day I don my uniform."

First and foremost we accomplished the mission, but we did it and had fun at the same time," said Thomas. "I'll always cherish memories like hiking up Mount Rettentore as a crew, swim call during the tiger cruise, captain's cup, command-wide dodge ball and our recent sports day in Brest, France."

After Thomas' remarks, the time had come for Ruth to assume the watch.

"I'm extremely proud that I have been given the opportunity to command this ship and her unique crew," said Ruth. "I look forward to both serving with you and learning from you as we move forward to meet the challenges ahead."

After the ceremony, a reception was held for all crew members and guests.

Mount Whitney, the flagship for the U.S. 6th Fleet, is homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and operates with a hybrid crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners.