Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Adelola Tinubu | 190426-N-ZU710-0040 NORFOLK, Va. (Apr. 26, 2019) Sailors and guests participate during...... read more read more
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Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8) held a change of command ceremony aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) April 26. Rear Adm. Gene Black was relieved by Rear Adm. Andrew J. Loiselle.
The ceremony marks the end of Black’s command of CSG-8. During that time Black led the strike group through a successful dynamic force deployment in 2018.
Black stated he is impressed with all of the accomplishments of CSG-8 and how they have responded to every exercise.
"We hit every milestone we were trying to hit,” said Black. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the performance across the board, from seaman recruit to Captain, of what we did and how we did it for the escorts, for the airwing, and for the carrier.”
During Black’s period of command, Harry S. Truman underwent a Group Sail, a composite unit training exercise and a historic deployment in the Arctic Circle. Black said he considered it a privilege to command CSG-8.
“Commanding Carrier Strike Group Eight is probably the greatest professional honor I’ve ever had,” said Black. “It’s an absolute thrill to deploy not once but twice, to do things that haven’t been done in thirty years, and to watch what I believe is our asymmetric advantage, the American Sailor, rise to tough challenge, after tough challenge every time with great spirit, great composure, and great professionalism.”
In addition to leading CSG-8, Black served as commanding officer of guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). He served as executive officer of USS Ramage (DDG 61) and as the weapons and combat systems officer aboard USS Normandy (CG 60). He was the fire control officer aboard USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and the combat information center officer and damage control assistant aboard guided-missile frigate USS Gallery (FFG 26).
Loiselle, a native of Cranston, Rhode Island, thanked Black for relieving a capable command.
“Admiral Black, you’ve had an extraordinary tour, you have built a team that is the envy of everyone who is observing,” said Loiselle. “Thank you for passing on a well-oiled machine. There are brilliant tacticians and operators in this strike group. I look forward to working with you to take our tactics and proficiency to the next level.”
Black left the crew with some parting words.
“I’m very, very confident as this strike group sails over the horizon on a deployment with a new commander,” said Black. “They’ll be even better, even more proficient, and even more ready, but I will miss them terribly.”
Harry S. Truman is currently moored at Naval Station Norfolk, conducting targeted maintenance and training, and remains operationally ready. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/USSTruman or www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2019 13:39 |
| Story ID: | 319711 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,645 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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