The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) held a change of command ceremony July 8.
Capt. John Ring assumed command of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), relieving Capt. Jeff “Doc” Ruth.
The guest speaker, Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, praised Ruth’s tenure as commanding officer of Nimitz.
“Doc prepared his crew well for the harsh and dangerous operating conditions of an extended deployment as evidenced by the safe accomplishment of every mission and safe navigation of every mile,” said Mewbourne. “Under his guidance, the crew overcame enormous challenges.”
Ruth assumed command of Nimitz March 2012 and led the ship through an extended eight-and-a-half-month deployment, overseeing 9,344 aircraft launches and 29,440 total flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Under Ruth’s leadership, Nimitz steamed more than 77,000 nautical miles. Recently, Nimitz received its eighth consecutive Golden Anchor Award, eighth consecutive medical blue “M” award and a second consecutive green safety “S” award.
Ruth also was promoted to the rank of rear admiral during the ceremony, and will assume command of Navy Region Northwest.
Ring previously served as executive officer aboard Nimitz from October 2009 to June 2011 before assuming command of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45).
[mappress] Press Release, July 09, 2014; Image: Wikimedia