USS BATAAN(LHD 5)

Change of CommandCeremonyJune 10, 2016

Naval Station NorfolkNorfolk, Virginia

Many of the ceremonies, customs, and traditions of our modern Navy draw their origins from ancient customs and laws of the sea. The Change of Command ceremony you witness today is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy Regulations; rather, it is a product of the rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a custom unique to the Navy, without equal in the Armed Forces. Custom established that the ceremony is formal and impressive – designed to strengthen the respect for authority which is vital to any military organization. The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders by the relieving Officer and the Officer to be relieved. Command passes upon utterance by the relieving Officer, “I relieve you, Sir.” The Officer being relieved responds, “I stand relieved.” This simple procedure is duplicated hundreds of times daily throughout the navies of the world, as each Watch Officer passes responsibility to his relief in the conduct of ship’s routine.

“Side Boys”In the days of sail, it was not uncommon for the Commanding Officers

of ships sailing in convoy to convene aboard the flagship for conferences or special meals. Unfortunately, there was no easy way to bring visitors on and off a ship while underway. Often, the boatswain’s chair, a rope and wood sling, would be used to hoist the guest onto and off the ship. The number of “strong backs” or “side boys” required was dependent upon the size of the load being hoisted. Sailors soon noted that the more senior the visitor’s rank, the more side boys needed to hoist the load. Over time, the need to hoist visitors onto and off of Navy ships went away, but the custom of mustering side boys to honor the arrival and departure of distinguished guests remained, with more senior Officers honored by the presence of additional side boys.

“Piping”Boatswains have been in charge of the deck force since the days of sail.

Setting sails, heaving lines, and hoisting anchors required great teamwork, and boatswains used whistle signals from the “boatswain’s pipe” to coordinate the effort. When visitors were hoisted aboard or over the side, the pipe was used to order “Hoist Away” or “Avast Heaving.” As with side boys, over time piping became an honored tradition to recognize distinguished guests both at sea and ashore.

The Tradition of the Change of Command Ceremony

*Arrival of the Official Party

*Parade of Colors

*The National Anthem

*Invocation

Welcoming Remarks

Guest Speaker

Reading of Award

CAPT Carter’s Remarks

Presentation of Command Pennant

Change of Command

CAPT Pfister’s Remarks

*Benediction

Departure of Official Party

Captain John A. Carter

Rear Admiral Cynthia M. Thebaud

*Guest Please Stand

Schedule of Events

Rear Admiral Cynthia M. ThebaudCommander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO

A Connecticut native, Rear Adm. Thebaud graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She also holds a Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies from The George Washington University, is an honors graduate of the Naval War College, and is qualified joint specialty officer.

At sea, Thebaud has served in ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets with deployed operations in the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Horn of Africa, Central America, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and Gulf of Guinea/West Africa areas of operation. Her tours include communications officer in USS Norton Sound (AVM 1), the Aegis and Vertical Launch Systems at-sea weapons test platform; boilers and machinery officer, deck division officer, navigator and navigation/administration department head in USS Prairie (AD 15); engineer officer in USS Platte (AO 186) and USS Hayler (DD 997); executive officer in USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) and commanding officer in USS Decatur (DDG 73). In Decatur, she deployed to the Middle East as part of the Navy’s initial Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG 1) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She subsequently commanded Destroyer Squadron 60 where, in addition to serving as the 6th Fleet surface combatant force commander (CTF 65), she also commanded two multi-national African Partnership Station deployments focused on maritime security capacity-building in West and Central Africa. Most recently, on 17 July 2014 she assumed the duties of Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO.

Ashore, her assignments have included Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and Commander, Task Force 73; Chief Operating Officer, Naval Education and Training Command; policy branch chief (N512) on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; Director, Division of Professional Development at the U.S. Naval Academy; Chief, Southeast Asia Division in the Joint Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5); Taiwan desk officer in the Joint Staff (J-5); Executive Assistant/Flag Secretary to Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Force Pacific; Surface Warfare Junior Officer detailer; U.S. Naval Academy company officer; Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor at George Washington University; and a joint staff internship in J-5/Policy Division.

Thebaud’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various unit citations and campaign medals.

Captain Michael M. McMillan Jr.Commodore, Commander Amphibious Squadron Eight

Captain Mike McMillan graduated in 1990 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. After completion of flight training in Pensacola, FL, he was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1992.

Following initial H-46D “Sea Knight” Fleet Replacement Pilot training at HC-3, he reported to HC-8 in Norfolk, VA, for his first operational tour and deployed aboard USS MOUNT BAKER (AE 34), USS SEATTLE (AOE 3) and USS DETROIT (AOE 4), where he earned his Officer of the Deck (Underway) qualification. While assigned to HC-8, CAPT McMillan served as Detachment Officer-in-Charge, Squadron Quality Assurance Officer, and Squadron Search and Rescue Officer.

In 1996 he reported to HT-18 in Milton, FL, to serve as a Helicopter Flight Instructor Pilot, and his job assignments included Assistant Operations Officer, Flight Operations Officer, Flight Leader and Student Control Officer. In 1998 CAPT McMillan was awarded the HT-18 Instructor Pilot of the Year and earned a Masters of Management from Troy State University.

CAPT McMillan’s next assignment was as Combat Search and Rescue Officer and Assistant Air Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Norfolk, VA. During this tour he deployed aboard the 2nd Fleet Command Ship USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20) for multiple Joint Task Force Exercises and served as the Joint Search and Rescue Center lead for the Joint Force Air Component Commander.

In July 2001, CAPT McMillan returned to HC-8 for his Department Head tour, where he served as Operations Officer and Administrative Officer. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, he made an emergent deployment as Detachment THREE Officer-in-Charge aboard USNS SATURN (TAFS 10), participating in Operations NOBLE EAGLE and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Reporting to U. S. Joint Forces Command in December 2003, CAPT McMillan served as the NetCentric Capabilities Branch Chief and was the command lead for the Joint Staff led NetCentric Functional Capabilities Board.

In September 2006, CAPT McMillan reported as Commanding Officer of HSC-22 in Norfolk. As the plankowner CO of the “Seaknights,” his squadron attained the CNAL Battle “E” Award in just its second year of existence.

CAPT McMillan reported to USS BATAAN (LHD-5) in May of 2008 where he served as the Air Boss for the first operational shipboard deployment of the MV-22 Osprey. Taking over as Executive Officer in June of 2009, he was part of a highly successful 5th Fleet deployment as well as the Haiti earthquake relief efforts in Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE. The BATAAN was awarded the 2009 Battle “E”.

CAPT McMillan was assigned to Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, NATO, from June of 2010 to May of 2013, where he worked as a strategic analyst in the Strategic Plans and Policy Division. CAPT McMillan reported to Commander, Amphibious Squadron EIGHT in October of 2013 as the Deputy Commander and assumed command in March of 2015. He currently serves as Commander, IWO JIMA Ready Group, deployed in the 5th Fleet AOR.

CAPT McMillan has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours in Naval aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (fourth award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College (correspondence), the Joint Forces Staff College and is designated a Joint Qualified Officer.

Captain John A. CarterCommanding Officer

Captain John A. Carter is a native of Hampton Bays, N.Y. on the South Fork of Long Island. A 1988 graduate of the University of Rochester, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

His sea assignments have included a division officer tour on the guided-missile cruiser USS Mississippi (CGN 40) as the Reactor Controls Officer and Reactor Training Assistant. His first department head tour was on guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) as the Operations Officer. His second department head tour was on guided-missile cruiser USS South Carolina (CGN 37) as the Engineer Officer. Additionally, Capt. Carter served as the Fleet Force Protection Officer for Sixth Fleet, Chief Staff Officer for Task Force Sixty-Eight, and the Reactor Officer for the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). His recent assignment was as Commanding Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) from November 2014 through June 2016.

Ashore he has served as an instructor at Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Fla., and as the Surface Nuclear Assignments Officer in Millington, Tenn. Additionally while ashore, he completed his Joint Officer tour while assigned to the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command.

Captain Carter has commanded two ships for the United States Navy. He commanded the rescue and salvage ship USS Salvor (ARS 52) from 2001 to 2003, and guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) from 2006 to 2008. While in command, Captain Carter has deployed to both the Western Pacific and the Mediterranean. Ships that he has commanded have been awarded; three Battle E’s, nineteen warfare E’s, three Golden Anchors, four CNO Safety Awards, Secretary of the Navy Safety Award, the NEY award, and SURFLANT selection as the Battenberg Cup Nominee.

Captain Carter has earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from U.S. Naval War College. He is a proven sub-specialist in Nuclear Propulsion, and he is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College. He is a qualified Joint Service Officer.

Captain Carter has served in the following Campaigns: Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Strike, Support Democracy, Operation Active Endeavor, JTF Aztec Silence, JTF Agile Response, Operation Enduring Freedom, and JTF-RNC. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal (two gold stars), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two gold stars).

Captain Eric N. PfisterProspective Commanding Officer

Captain Pfister, a native of Newport Beach, CA, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he attended flight training, was designated a naval aviator in August 1993, and selected to fly the H-46D helicopter.

At sea, Captain Pfister first served as a division officer with HC-11 where he deployed in USS Kiska (AE-35) and USS Essex (LHD-2) and participated in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and UNITED SHIELD. Subsequent sea tours include serving as Navigation Officer in USS Tarawa (LHA-1) deploying in support of Operation DETERMINED RESPONSE, and as detachment Officer-in-Charge in USS Essex (LHD-2) and squadron Maintenance Officer with HC-5 forward deployed in Guam. His recent assignment was as Executive Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) from September 2014 through June 2016.

Ashore, Captain Pfister served as a flight instructor with HC-3, the Helicopter Sea Assignments Officer with Pers-43, and an action officer in the Joint Staff ’s J-7 directorate.

Captain Pfister served as the Commander of the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment at Camp Buehring, Kuwait in 2008-2009 and as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of HSC-21 in 2007-2010.

He is a 2011 graduate of National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces and holds a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy.

Captain Pfister reported to USS Bataan (LHD-5) for duty as Executive Officer in September 2014.

Throughout his career, he has flown more than 3300 hours in the H-46D and MH-60S. He was recognized in 1998 as HC-3’s and the Naval Helicopter Association’s Instructor Pilot of the year, and in 2009 he earned the Naval & Marine Corps Association’s peer-nominated leadership award. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7 awards) and numerous campaign and service awards.

CMDCM(SW/AW) Scott W. HarvilleCommand Master Chief

Command Master Chief Harville is a native of Upper Lake, California. He enlisted in the Navy in September 1989. After completing Recruit Training and Fireman Apprentice School in San Diego, California, he reported to his first command in COMPETENT (AFDM 6), where he struck Hull Technician (HT) as an undesignated Fireman.

Master Chief Harville’s previous sea duty, includes tours in USS Samuel Gompers (AD 37), USS Frank Cable (AS 40), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE TWO THREE (VAW-123). During his career he has seen deployments to the North and South Pacific Oceans, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Guinea, Black Sea and numerous operations and port visits in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Ashore, Master Chief Harville was stationed at Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pacific North West Detachment Everett, and Assault Craft Unit FOUR (ACU 4).

He is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and the CMC/COB Courses in Newport RI. He is currently serving as the Command Master Chief in USS Bataan (LHD 5).

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), along with numerous unit and campaign awards.

USS BATAAN (LHD 5) is an amphibious assault ship designed to enable the Navy-Marine Corps team to accomplish a seamless transition from the sea to a land battle. The ship is fully capable of amphibious assault, advance force, non-combatant evacuation and other humanitarian assistance missions. The ship features a 13,600-square foot well deck, which opens to the sea through a huge gate in the ship’s stern. There, the cargo, as well as troops and vehicles, are loaded aboard landing craft for transit to the beach. The keel of LHD 5 was laid June 22, 1994, and was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997. BATAAN is the fifth ship in the WASP class of Navy’s amphibious assault ships. BATAAN made her maiden voyage, a Mediterranean deployment, in 2000. From Sept. 19, 2001, to April 20, 2002, BATAAN deployed to the Mediterranean, North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf and participated in Operations Bright Star and Enduring Freedom. During Operation Enduring Freedom, the ship set numerous records during 118-consecutive days off the coast of Pakistan while Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based on BATAAN, marched nearly 700 nautical miles into Afghanistan in support on the War on Terrorism. Nine months later the ship deployed again, this time as part of Amphibious Task Force East. During the six-month deployment, BATAAN carried 24 AV-8B Harriers and, along with USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) from the Pacific Fleet, became one of Task Force 51’s “Harrier Carriers,” launching air strikes and close air support missions 24 hours a day during the major combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just six months later, the ship deployed for the third time in 28 months, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) troop rotation. In 2005, BATAAN was called upon to support Joint Task Force Katrina search, rescue and relief efforts in the New Orleans, Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., areas. BATAAN was the first Navy ship on scene, after Katrina, a category-5 hurricane, made landfall. BATAAN spent 19 days supporting relief efforts by moving more than 1,600 people to safety and delivering more than 160,000 pounds of supplies to the Gulf Coast states. BATAAN made regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities in 2007 and 2009 to support Maritime Security Operations.BATAAN returned from deployment Dec. 8, 2009. Thirty four days later, the ship was underway again to provide disaster relief in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the island nation. Following her return from Haiti, BATAAN deployed three months early on March 23rd, 2011, in support of Operations Odyssey Dawn, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning to homeport in Feb. 2012, after steaming more than 50 thousand miles, the 2011-2012 deployment of 10 1/2 months was the longest made by a U.S. Naval ship since the early 1970s. The amphibious assault ship USS BATAAN (LHD 5) left her homeport in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 8, 2014 on a regularly scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. With more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations, crisis response, theater security cooperation and provided a forward naval presence in the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. While underway, the BATAAN participated in several multinational exercises designed to strengthen coalition partnerships and reinforce regional security and stability, including Spanish amphibious exercises and Eager Lion 2014 exercise, as well as bilateral training with the Greek and French. BATAAN was also involved in two rescues at sea. On March 8, Bataan rescued two Turkish mariners from their sinking cargo ship in the Aegean Sea. On June 6, BATAAN rescued 282 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea after their small vessel sank. From Aug. 10-14, the MEU supported an assessment of humanitarian options in support of displaced Iraqi civilians trapped on Sinjar Mountain by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and conducted surveillance and reconnaissance missions and fixed-wing strike missions in Iraq in August and September with aircraft based on the BATAAN. The BATARG and 22nd MEU team completed a nine-month deployment, returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va. and Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 31, 2014.

USS Bataan

B A T A A N

“LIFE HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME.

I WASN’T KILLED IN THE WAR.

I DID ALMOST EVERYTHING I WANTED TO DO,

AND SOME THINGS I DIDN’T WANT TO DO.

I HAD A JOB I LIKED AND A WOMAN I LOVED.

COULDN’T ASK FOR MORE THAN THAT.”

~Arleigh A. Burke

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt