USS Bulkeley Change of Command

Courtesy Photo | Cmdr. Sean Anderson, left, relieved Cmdr. Christopher DeGregory as commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley while underway in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Anna Wade)  

USS BULKELEY, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

03.19.2011

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

USS BULKELEY, At Sea - Cmdr. Sean Anderson assumed command of USS Bulkeley during a ceremony held aboard the guided-missle destroyer while underway in the Gulf of Aden, March 19.

During the ceremony, Anderson relieved Cmdr. Christopher DeGregory who had commanded the ship since May 2009.

Under the leadership of DeGregory, Bulkeley completed a selected restricted availability and a rigorous pre-deployment training cycle. Most notably, DeGregory's leadership of Bulkeley led to the successful rescue of the crew of MV Guanabara after the vessel had been pirated by four suspected pirates in the Arabian Sea. Bulkeley deployed on January 13, 2011, with the Enterprise Strike Group.

DeGregory departed the command with strong words of praise for the Sailors under his command.

"None of our many successes were possible without your commitment and your belief in this ship and in each other...I simply told you my expectations: do the right thing, you know what it is, and do not let
this ship or your shipmates down, period. Bulkeley Sailors know what to
do."

Anderson praised the crew of Bulkeley during the ceremony.

"I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you, your hard work, and the sacrifices you make in the defense of freedom. We will face many more deployment challenges, many unknown and unpredictable, that will test our resolve and preparedness," said Anderson.

Bulkeley is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 03.19.2011
• Date Posted: 03.20.2011 16:48
• Story ID: 67422
• Location: USS BULKELEY, USAFRICOM, AT SEA