Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. seventh Fleet, was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He expressed his appreciation for Ronald Reagan’s crew and Goldhammer’s management throughout his time as commanding officer.
“Reagan is an effective wanting ship, however it’s the Sailors that carry her to life,” stated Thomas. “We ask lots of our Sailors and households in Ahead Deployed Naval Forces (FNDF) Japan. Not solely can we ask you to be prepared on a second’s discover, we regularly should change the plan, similar to we did a couple of days in the past whenever you sailed again into the Sea of Japan. That’s what makes these magnificent ships such a versatile and highly effective deterrent –you adapt to world occasions. It’s a robust way of life. It’s one thing I take note of as a result of I do know we push our Sailors and pull our ships in lots of instructions. In FDNF, we acknowledge the significance of being on the entrance line –presence completely issues. It’s completely robust enterprise, and it takes robust leaders and Sailors to perform the mission day in and time out, safely, professionally, time and time once more. It’s a onerous enterprise, and Capt. Goldhammer has navigated this necessary enterprise to perfection.”
Throughout Ronald Reagan’s 2021 deployment to the U.S. fifth and seventh Fleets, Goldhammer’s management enabled Ronald Reagan’s crew to assist naval operations within the Indo-Pacific whereas Provider Air Wing (CVW) 5 offered air energy to guard U.S. and coalition forces as they withdrew from Afghanistan, facilitating the protected transit of greater than 7,000 U.S. residents and evacuees throughout Operation Allies Refuge.
“Captain Goldhammer led USS Ronald Reagan and her crew in excellent style: From a extremely distinctive U.S. fifth Fleet deployment for the FDNF plane service, to constant presence throughout the Indo-Pacific, he offered seen resolve and credible fight functionality to make sure the belief and confidence of allies and companions within the area,” stated Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly, commander, Job Power (CTF) 70. “Beneath his management, the crew of USS Ronald Reagan had been at all times ready–even by means of the numerous impacts of the COVID pandemic–to do their jobs. His imaginative and prescient and dedication to the mission had been a transparent and constant supply of unwavering focus. Our allies and companions have been reassured due to his efforts, and below his management our adversaries perceive the unimaginable functionality that USS Ronald Reagan offers. I do know that Capt. Cardone will likely be persevering with that cost.”
Beneath Goldhammer’s command, Ronald Reagan carried out a number of workout routines with allied and companion nations, strengthening worldwide relationships and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. His management enabled Ronald Reagan to determine the mannequin for protected port visits within the post-pandemic atmosphere, conducting visits to Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Guam.
“I’m happy with the unfaltering resilience that the crew demonstrated throughout my time right here because the ‘Warship 76’ Commanding Officer,” stated Goldhammer. “The dedication and onerous work of the 5,000 Sailors onboard this ship and their households in the end drive the fight readiness of our ship-air wing group, as we very successfully show our nation’s unflinching dedication to peace and stability on this area. The group will likely be in wonderful palms below the management of Capt. Cardone.”
Goldhammer, who assumed command of Ronald Reagan in October 2020, and Cardone, his aid, a local of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, started their naval careers with the Tigertails of the Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 –now often called Airborne Command and Management Squadron (VAW) 125. Now, they discover themselves passing command of America’s Flagship to at least one one other.
“I’m honored to take the helm of USS Ronald Reagan from my former squadron mate and longtime buddy, Capt. Fred Goldhammer,” stated Cardone. “This crew will proceed to construct and show credible fight energy, and we are going to proceed to strengthen our regional alliances and partnerships as we additional combine with companion forces.”
Ronald Reagan, the flagship of CSG 5, offers a combat-ready drive that protects and defends america, and helps alliances, partnerships and collective maritime pursuits within the Indo-Pacific area.
