Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in Norfolk, Va., Nov. 18.

Capt. Paul C. Spedero relieved Capt. Stephen Koehler as Ike's commanding officer in front of the ship's crew, friends and family during a ceremony in the ship's hangar bay.

Rear Adm. Bruce H. Lindsey, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, who presided over the change of command, said Koehler's accomplishments as commanding officer are truly reflected in the ship's exceptional crew, which is more than ready to complete its current workup cycle ahead of a deployment scheduled for summer 2016.

Using one of Captain Koehler's favorite phrases, Lindsey said, "the Eisenhower Sailors are 'fired up' to be operational again."

Lindsey went on to say that "President Eisenhower said 'motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it,' and I know Capt. Koehler's legacy is, despite the tremendous challenges of being the first Optimized Fleet Response Plan carrier, the entire IKE crew is incredibly motivated to once again get this awesome warship forward deployed, prepared to execute any presidential tasking assigned."

A 1990 graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Spedero comes to Ike from USS Peleliu (LHA 5), which he decommissioned in March 2015. Spedero is an experienced naval aviator who has previously served as the executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), as well as the executive officer and later the commanding officer of the Sidewinders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86. During his tour with the Sidewinders, he flew combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I am humbled to have this remarkable opportunity to lead the Sailors, chiefs and officers of the Navy's finest capital warship," Spedero said. "I am honored to assume command of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower."

Koehler leaves Ike to become the director of fleet/joint training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. During Koehler's nearly two and a half years at Ike's helm, the command completed an extensive, 23-month docking planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

Koehler and the ship's crew concluded the availability on Sept. 1, whereupon they returned to the ship's homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. Since then the ship has operated flawlessly through training and flight operations for both pilot carrier qualifications and Joint Strike Fighter test program.

"We've done a lot of work in the last couple of years, and I couldn't be more proud of the pride and professionalism with which you have conducted yourselves while we got this ship ready to once again take the fight to the enemy," Koehler said. "This has been the most gratifying experience of my career; seeing you all rise to the occasion through often difficult and always challenging circumstances."

Koehler told the crew that as they continue to meet upcoming operational commitments, he will be rooting them on every step of the way.

"As much as I hate to part company with all of you, I leave knowing that you all are in good hands," Koehler said. "You're in good hands because you are all part of the most talented and capable crew in the Navy, and you're in good hands with Captain Spedero at the helm. I look forward to watching all of your success in the coming year as you embark on deployment."

In recognition of his efforts, Lindsey awarded Koehler the Legion of Merit.

Guests at the ceremony included members of Koehler's and Spedero's families, several prior Ike commanding officers, distinguished guests and much of the ship's crew.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, visit http://www.navy.mil/.