Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 held a change of command ceremony at the Pennsylvania House on board Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 6.

Rear Adm. Brian E. Luther relieved Rear Adm. DeWolfe H. Miller and assumed duties as CSG-2 commander.

"We are grateful to you, Bullet, for what you did for us, and what you did for your team," said Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Adm. Philip Davidson.

Under Miller's leadership, who assumed command in February 2014, the George H.W. Bush (GHWB) CSG completed a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, where pilots flew more than 18,000 combat flight hours alongside coalition partners delivering the first strikes to ISIS and Khorasan Group targets.

"Lex and I did a change of command together once before and at that time I felt like I was giving him a pretty good team," said Miller. "Then I watched him come in and make it even better. So, to everyone, your new leader is going to make you even better."

Before reading his orders, Miller informed Davidson of the impending turnover, as well as his other boss, the CSG's namesake, President George H. W. Bush.

"I hope you had a great tour Chip," said the 41st President via phone. "And welcome back to the family Lex, you're a great man, and we're proud of your service."

Miller will return to the Pentagon as deputy director, Chief of Naval Warfare Systems (N9B).

Luther is returning to the GHWB CSG team, as he previously served as the ship's commanding officer.

Luther reported from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations where he was director, Operations and Plans (N31). Luther's fleet experience includes commanding the Scouts of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24, which participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. He commanded USS Tarawa (LHA 1) for her final deployment and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) for her maiden deployment where her crew earned the Battenberg Cup as the best all-around ship in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.