The crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) conducted a change of command ceremony on the ship's forecastle at Naval Base San Diego, March 16.

With a salute and a handshake, Cmdr. Ted W. Wiederholt relieved Cmdr. Jason E. Rogers as commanding officer of Shoup.

Rogers led Shoup and her crew to success through engineering operation certification (EOC), type commander (TYCOM) material inspection, TYCOM mid-cycle inspection, Exercise Pacific Dragon 2016, Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2016, Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System Exercise, surface warfare advanced tactics and training, and multiple maintenance availabilities.

Rogers took the podium one last time, thanked distinguished guests and visitors for their attendance, and finally addressed the crew with whom he served for the past 16 months.

"I had a little one-on-one with God prior to taking Shoup and all I asked for was an energetic and willing crew," said Rogers. "He answered my prayers daily with the finest group of Sailors gathered around us here today. Over the past 16 months we led a warfighting renaissance onboard Shoup. November '15 seems like yesterday to me. After assuming command I gathered the crew under a giant heated tent and I told them it was completely in their power to change their current condition. We set out on a new campaign of domain dominance. Though we encountered many challenges, Shoup came out warfighting ready."

Douglas Grossman, a retired Navy captain, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

"The men and women who go to sea on this ship are what gives the ship life," said Grossman. "The men and women who go to sea on this ship are the Shoup. The men and women who go to sea on this ship are the Navy's legacy. This change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition to recognize the change in leadership, responsibility, authority and accountability from one commanding officer to the next. It's as much for the crew as it is for the commanding officer."

Rogers served as commanding officer from November 2015 to March 2017 and received the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding performance. His insightful, steady, and inspirational leadership enabled him to build and maintain a high standard of procedural compliance, formality and operational excellence during his tenure.

Rogers will report to Carrier Strike Group 11.

Wiederholt is an Iowa native and entered the naval service in 1998 after graduating from Iowa State University's NROTC program with a master's in public administration. He also earned a master's in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

While addressing his new crew, Wiederholt stated, "I'm thrilled and honored to be here this afternoon. I have many reasons to be thankful. The crew Shoup - thank you for making this day possible. You are awesome. I cannot think of a finer crew to be a part of. I am excited to be back onboard and I look forward to serving with you. We have a busy year ahead but I have to tell you it is going to be a great ride."

Shoup is currently underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

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