The guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) conducted a change of command ceremony on Naval Station Norfolk, August 24.

Cmdr. Zoe Arantz relieved Cmdr. Michael Cloud as commanding officer in front of family, friends and shipmates. The ship’s ninth captain, Cloud assumed command in Aug. 2017.

During Cloud’s time in command, Nitze completed sustainment phase operations in the summer of 2017. The ship has been undergoing a challenging basic phase since completing a five-month maintenance period at Marine Hydraulics International shipyard in Norfolk, Va. Nitze was awarded the Destroyer Squadron 2 Battle E award for 2017, presented annually to the most effective warship in the squadron.

“I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege of serving as commanding officer in USS Nitze,” said Cloud.  “It has been the most challenging and yet most rewarding experience of my naval career. I leave Nitze knowing the crew is ready to meet the challenges ahead. We did it right.”

Cloud enlisted in the Navy in 1989 and is a 1999 graduate of the University of New Mexico. He previously served as Nitze’s executive officer form Sept. 2015.

Arantz assumed command of Nitze after completing an 18-month tour as Nitze’s Executive Officer.  Previously, she completed a tour as a strategic planner on the Joint Staff in the J5 Political Military Affairs, Middle East Directorate, Iran Division from March 2013 to April 2016.

“I am privileged to take command at sea. There is no higher honor than to be asked to lead Sailors,” said Arantz. “My goal as USS Nitze’s commanding officer is to equip, train, and lead Nitze’s Sailors in combat.  If necessary, we will fight together and win wars on the nation’s behalf.”

 Arantz enlisted in the Navy in 1994 as an Interior Communications Electrician and graduated from San Diego State University in May 2000.

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