Rear Adm. Richard “Rick” Williams relieved Rear Adm. Joseph Kuzmick as commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 15 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, July 23.
The ceremony marked the end of a successful tour and career for Kuzmick, who also retired during the ceremony after serving as commander of CSG15 since September 2013.
Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet, was a guest speaker for the event.
Williams takes charge at CSG15 after commanding Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Pearl Harbor, since 2013.
“I look forward to sailing with my new shipmates aboard CSG15,” said Williams. “We have a long and tough fight ahead of us but together we will conquer all.”
CSG15 trains and certifies Pacific Fleet Carrier Strike Groups, Amphibious Ready Groups and independently deploying surface ships. [mappress mapid=”16565″]