"National Asset" Receives New Commanding Officer

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) received its 13th commanding officer during a change of command ceremony Feb. 28 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.

Capt. Daniel C. Grieco relieved Capt. William J. Hart as TR's commanding officer. Hundreds of Sailors, family members, and invited guests attended the ceremony, held in the ship's hangar bay.

Since Hart arrived aboard TR July 28, 2010, the ship has achieved many important refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) milestones, such as stepping the mast, leaving dry dock, and crew move aboard.

"Theodore Roosevelt is returning to operations. I have profound respect for our Sailors, what they achieved, and their dedication to the job. Regardless of their skill, they come together," said Hart. "Please thank the crew of TR with me, it's been an awesome ride."

Grieco assumes command in time to bring TR out of the shipyard, and to take the ship to sea for the first time in more than four years.

"Captain Dan Grieco, welcome aboard. You've taken the helm of a great warship full of great Sailors," said Hart. "Dan, I'm very jealous you get to take her to sea. Please take care of this national treasure. God bless our Sailors, our Navy, and the United States of America."

Before assuming command of TR, Grieco served as the commanding officer for USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), based in Yokuska, Japan. Grieco also spent time aboard TR earlier in his career as the executive officer for Sea Control Squadron 24.

Through years of hard work and diligent training, Hart said he is confident the ship and crew are ready for the challenges that await them as a fully operational asset.

Grieco said he was happy with what he has seen of TR so far, and is very impressed with Hart's accomplishments while commanding the ship.

"The Big Stick-shipyard team led by Capt. Hart has done a phenomenal job bringing the ship through one of the most invasive maintenance periods a platform could ever go through," said Grieco. "Billy, I cannot thank you enough for the incredible effort you've expended bringing the ship through RCOH. Thank you very much."

The ceremony concluded with the time honored tradition of the two captains exchanging a salute to officially turn over command of the ship.

"To the crew of TR, seeing all you've done and how far you've brought this national asset forward, you can be exceptionally proud of what you've accomplished. However, there is still much work to be done," said Grieco. "I welcome this challenge, no, this opportunity, because from my short time onboard I've seen that this crew is not only up to this task, but eager to excel at it. It is my honor and my privilege to be your commanding officer."

TR is scheduled to depart Newport News Shipbuilding and join the operational fleet after finishing its four-year RCOH later this summer.

Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and WWW.Twitter.com/The RealCVN71.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.