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Commander, Task Force 57 Changes Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111119-12
11/19/2011

By Lt. Brandon Daughtry, Commander, Task Force 57 Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57 held a change of command ceremony on board Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, Nov. 17.

Capt. Reggie M. Howard relieved Capt. James R. Wyatt as commander, CTF 57.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), presented Wyatt the Legion of Merit for his performance as commodore from August 2009 - November 2011.

Under Wyatt's leadership, the command conducted successful execution of 6,367 sorties encompassing more than 66,000 flight hours from 13 U.S. and coalition task groups from seven different nations in support of operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. In addition, the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance-Demonstrator (BAMS-D) unmanned aerial system supported more than 200 missions while executing more than 3,500 mishap-free flight hours.

"This was the most rewarding tour of my career," said Wyatt. "CTF-57 is family to me, and it was an honor to serve with this group of outstanding Sailors and officers. I look forward to hearing of their future successes as I move on."

Howard, a 1989 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, recently served as the deputy division chief of the Component Combatant Command Support Division of the Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems Directorate (J6) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"I have inherited an outstanding team, and I look forward to doing my share to ensure the continued success of this valuable member of the NAVCENT family," said Howard.

CTF 57 is responsible for conducting maritime surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. CTF 57 supports the U.S. 5th Fleet and Unified Commanders, enhancing regional stability, promoting cooperative security and deterring aggression by providing responsive interoperable and combat ready Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces.