Capt. Peter Nilsen relieved Capt. John Schmidt as commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship's flight deck, May 18.

As commanding officer, Schmidt led Philippine Sea through several multinational exercises and the ship's current deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, promoting maritime security and theater cooperation efforts in the region.

In attendance was officiating officer and guest speaker Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, who commended Schmidt on the ship's accomplishments and his dedication to Philippine Sea.

"[Capt. Schmidt] was the right leader to come to the ship," said Whitesell. "You were faced with some incredible barriers and you jumped them like an Olympic hurdler. You had the watch and led with dedication and skill."

During the scope of Schmidt's leadership, Philippine Sea received the 2016 Retention Excellence Award, 2016 Green "H", 2016 Chief of Naval Operation's Safety Award and the 2016 Engineering Survivability Excellence, Command and Control, and Logistics Management awards. He was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony for his exceptional service as commanding officer.

"It's been a pleasure working with you all," said Schmidt. "These awards and recognitions are a reflection of you. The ship's success is a testament to the dedication of its crew."

He added that he is confident in Nilsen, who was previously the CSG-2 chief of staff, and complimented his ability to command the ship and crew.

"I'm thrilled you are the one chosen to relieve me," said Schmidt. "Knowing it's you puts me at ease. You are the right man to take command."

"Pete, it is good to welcome you back to the GHWBCSG. As the former strike group chief of staff, you are an 'insider.' Philippine Sea is very fortunate to be gaining a warfighter who knows what is under the hood," Whitesell said of Nilsen. "Take this sports car and do great things with her."

During the ceremony, Schmidt read his orders and transferred command to Nilsen, who thanked Schmidt for a smooth transition into a strong command.

"I want to personally thank you for a superb turnover," said Nilsen. "A key trait of a good leader is to leave a command better than when you started it, and you certainly have."

Prior to serving at CSG-2, Nilsen was the commanding officer of USS Cole (DDG 67). His previous sea assignments include executive officer of Cole; executive officer of USS Kaufman (FFG 59); operations officer for USS Monterey (CG 61); operations officer in USS Mitscher (DDG 57). His shore assignments include assistant officer in charge of AEGIS Training and Readiness Detachment Center, Norfolk; and assistant chief of staff for operations, training and integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) warfare tactics instructors (WTI) at Navy Air and Missile Defense Command (NAMDC).

Philippine Sea is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.


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