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Eisenhower Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100814-04
8/14/2010

From USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in Norfolk Aug. 13.

Capt. Marcus Hitchcock relieved Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne as Ike's commanding officer in front of the ship's crew, friends and family in the hangar bay.

Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 8, presided over the change of command and spoke warmly about the accomplishments of Mewbourne, the entire ship's crew and its ability to accomplish the mission.

"You understood the mission completely, and you effectively communicated that mission to your officers and crew, moreover, your vision for your command inspired passion and excellence, over the course of these 33 months. That is an incredibly successful command tour. For the rest of you, that's what made this a great ship. The best ship. Well done," said Davidson.

A 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Hitchcock comes to Ike from the USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Hitchcock is a seasoned naval aviator who served aboard aircraft carriers USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of operations Deliberate Guard, Desert Storm and Southern Watch. He completed two deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

"It's hard to tell you just how honored and excited I am to be taking command of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower today," said Hitchcock. "I'm just an average guy from Salt Lake City – I'd never even dreamed that I could do something like this! As I look out at this remarkable ship, literally one of the modern wonders of the world and I see her spectacular crew, the sight literally takes my breath away."

Mewbourne leaves Ike to become the chief of staff for Commander, Navy Cyber Forces in Little Creek, Va. During Mewbourne's 33 months aboard Ike, the command completed the most ambitious planned incremental availability and two wartime deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Mewbourne and the Ike crew returned from the most recent deployment in late July 2010.

"Through your commitment to excellence and steadfast professionalism, you always prevailed, even in the face of adversity and danger. Through your selflessness, and the sacrifice of your families, you made lasting impacts throughout the world while helping to secure a safer tomorrow for future generations," said Mewbourne. "You should find great comfort and satisfaction in knowing that your service made a difference."

"No captain could be more proud of his crew than I am," said Mewbourne.

In recognition of his efforts, Davidson presented Mewbourne with the Legion of Merit.

"Thank you all for your unyielding loyalty to our ship, to our shipmates and to our Navy. May God bless each of you and your families as you continue to serve our great nation with distinction and honor," said Mewbourne.

Guests at the ceremony included Mewbourne's family, Hitchcock's family, numerous prior Ike commanding officers, distinguished guests and Ike's crew.