Carrier Strike Group 10, GHWBCSG Changes Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Novalee Manzella | 230525-N-YD731-1119 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 25, 2023) Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff relieves Rear Adm. Dennis Velez as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May, 25 2023. CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Novalee Manzella)  

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

05.25.2023

Courtesy Story

Carrier Strike Group 10

Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff relieved Rear Adm. Dennis Velez as commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, during a ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) on board Naval Station Norfolk, May 25, 2023.

Civilian and military guests gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Velez and welcome Westendorff as the new commander. Vice Adm. James Kilby, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presided.

During his remarks, Kilby commended the value the George H.W. Bush carrier strike group - under Velez’s command - delivered to fleet commanders as a flexible, tailorable maritime force.

“Dennis, you and your strike group team should be proud of what you have accomplished together since you took command last year,” said Kilby. “You reassured the NATO Alliance and regional partners, deterred Russian aggression, and improved allied interoperability through deliberate, consistent work with our Allies. You accomplished that through the convening power within U.S. Navy carrier strike groups to lead combined maritime operations.”

Velez, a native of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and a graduate of United States Naval Academy, led the George H.W. Bush CSG through a deployment to the European Theater. Throughout his speech, Velez lauded the perseverance and professionalism to service of all CSG-10 Sailors under his charge.

“It was an honor to be a part of this incredible team-of-teams, and I am proud of the work we accomplished together with our partners and allies on deployment,” said Velez. “I cannot say enough about the performance of the Sailors across the strike group whose grit, perseverance, attitude, and teamwork delivered for America and the Alliance. I am also incredibly proud of our Navy families who support our team each and every day – we owe you not only our thanks, but our genuine support.”

Westendorff is a native of Paola, Kansas, and a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

"I know you can find satisfaction in the fact that you are leaving behind a standard of excellence and combat readiness across the entire strike group,” said Westendorff. “I look forward to getting to know the staff and teams across the strike group”

CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security and is preparing to deploy as the George H.W. Bush CSG.

The major command elements are the aircraft carrier USS. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2023
• Date Posted: 05.25.2023 16:41
• Story ID: 445527
• Location: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US