Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 held a change of command ceremony June 15 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) moored at Naval Station North Island.

Rear Adm. Steve T. Koehler relieved Rear Adm. James S. Bynum as commander, CSG-9.

"When I arrived I asked you to embrace opportunity, to take ownership and run it to make it better," said Bynum, while speaking to the officers and Sailors of CSG-9. "The results speak for themselves. You were early to every milestone. You took every opportunity to practice your skills, to learn the new tactics, to innovate, to lead your team and to challenge them."
Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander U.S. 3rd Fleet, served as presiding officer and guest speaker for the ceremony.

"I know that Adm. Bynum is up for any challenge," said Tyson. "You have always gone above and beyond for me, for your team and the Navy, so thank you. "
Tyson presented Bynum with the Legion of Merit for meritorious service while serving as commander of CSG-9.

Following the award presentation, Bynum and Koehler then read their orders, in keeping with Navy tradition, officially changing command. Koehler addressed those in attendance immediately after assuming duties as CSG-9's commanding officer.

"The ships that are part of this strike group and the air wing exist to be manned by highly skilled and empowered Sailors that can take the fight to the enemy and win," said Koehler. "Everything we must do must be in pursuit of combat readiness. Our upcoming deployment will call on Strike Group 9 and all of its capabilities and we must never lose sight of that."

Bynum served as CCSG-9 since June 2016. Under his leadership, Bynum ensured the execution of CSG-9's maintenance, training, qualifications, operations and fleet obligations for Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing 17, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) and six surface combatants in Destroyer Squadron 23. He was the senior U.S. representative for the Indonesia mission portion of Pacific Partnership 2016, furthering strategic communication efforts and strengthening international relationships with our partner nations. Additionally, he was the first Combined Task Force 31 commander since World War II.

The strike group commander's duties include oversight of operational training and readiness for the entire strike group and maintain administrative functions and material warfighting readiness support for ships and squadrons. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is preparing for deployment in late 2017.

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