USS Abraham Lincoln Holds Change of Command

19 August 2021

From USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

SAN DIEGO – Capt. Walt “Sarge” Slaughter, a native of Austin, Texas, successfully completed his tour as commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, Thursday, where he was relieved by Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt.

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Capt. Walt. M. Slaughter, outgoing commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 19, 2021) Capt. Walt. M. Slaughter, outgoing commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Bartelt/Released)

During his 26 months of command, the Sailors of Abraham Lincoln completed a 10-month combat deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations, the largest carrier maintenance package ever completed in San Diego during a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA), exemplary marks on the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey inspection, and successfully led the crew through several at-sea integrated training events in preparation for the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s upcoming deployment.

“What these Sailors have been able to accomplish over the past two years is more than I could have ever expected from a crew,” said Slaughter. “From an extended deployment, to combatting a global pandemic, only to head into an incredibly demanding operational schedule, Lincoln Nation has stepped up and overcome every challenge in their path.”

Slaughter was awarded the Legion of Merit for his superior accomplishments and will report to Commander, Naval Air Forces for his next tour of duty.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, is pipped aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 19, 2021) Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, is pipped aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Bartelt/Released)

“Sarge, you have led the Lincoln team with tenacity, and kept the crew mission-ready, safe, and healthy,” said Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

The change of command ceremony is one rich in naval tradition and highlighted by the reading of permanent change of station orders by the outgoing and incoming commanding officers.

“This tour was the highlight of my career,” said Slaughter. “I am beyond proud to have had the opportunity to lead Lincoln Nation, and I know that I am leaving it in great hands with Capt. Bauernschmidt.”

Bauernschmidt is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who previously commanded amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70.

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, incoming commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), reads her orders during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 19, 2021) Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, incoming commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), reads her orders during a change of command ceremony held on the flight deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Bartelt/Released)

“There is no more humbling sense of responsibility than to know you are entrusted with the care of the people who have chosen to protect our nation,” said Bauernschmidt. “Thank you, Capt. Slaughter, for turning over the finest ship in the fleet.”

USS Abraham Lincoln is home-ported at Naval Air Station North Island. For more information visit www.facebook.com/Lincoln or https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/USS-Abraham-Lincoln-CVN-72/.

For complete coverage of the change of command ceremony, please visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72.

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