Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) conducted a change of command ceremony while in port Oct. 7.

Cmdr. Brett R. Oster assumed command by relieving Cmdr. Milciades "Tony" Then as commanding officer.

Then recognized the Sailors of Mitscher for the ship's success.

"All of you have made this tour special because no matter what the challenge, you were able to overcome and you did it with gusto," Then said.

Then was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership as commanding officer. Under his command, Mitscher successfully completed a demanding, $40 million ACB-12 upgrade during extended dry-dock selected restricted availability (SRA) while earning her fourth consecutive Retention Excellence Award and the 2015 Battle Effectiveness Award, or Battle "E."

Oster expressed his enthusiasm about leading the crew and continuing the standard of excellence set by Then.

"To the crew, thank you for your great and hard work in supporting Commander Then in making Mitscher the best ship in the Navy," said Oster. "It is my honor and privilege to lead you as we continue moving forward in bringing Mitscher's combat capabilities to bear when this great nation calls."

Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, deputy chief of staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk made opening remarks as the guest speaker.

Mitscher is currently conducting combat systems ships qualification trials to validate its new Aegis Baseline 9 upgrade. This process will enhance the overall Aegis weapon system and the ship's cooperative engagement capabilities, enabling it to be a more competitive warfighting platform.

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