Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 held a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), July 21.

Rear Adm. Roy J. Kelley relieved Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis as commander of CSG12 during the event.

"Every morning when I get up, I'm in the habit of giving thanks for my many blessings in life and reflecting on where I've not met the bar, and endeavoring to do better each day" Lewis said. "I'm incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the U.S. Navy and serve my country. It's something I've been doing for the last 30 years and I'm more excited about what I do now than where I was 30 years ago."

Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, provided remarks as the ceremony's guest speaker.

"[Rear Adm. Lewis] doesn't accept the 'because we've always done it that way' answer," said Miller. "He questions the procedures and makes improvements possible in everything he does. His list of improvements, significant milestones, and achievements, is impressive. Under his superb leadership, CSG12 completed a dynamic and challenging fleet response training plan, and deployed to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Arabian Gulf. The strike group flawlessly navigated more than 110,000 nautical miles, including 83 strait transits, and safely executed 6,500 sorties, encompassing more than 9,000 flight hours and 6,100 arrested landings. The strike group contributed significantly to Operation Inherent Resolve, and expertly communicated the Navy's role in national security interests."

Lewis, who will go on to serve as vice director of J3 Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., reflected on accomplishments throughout his tour of duty.

"This command and this experience of service has been the most motivating of my carrer," he said. "I'm thankful and greatful for the young Sailors and Marines who I have had the honor to serve alongside in this tour. When I look into their eyes, I see an enthusiasm for excellence, a desire for self-discipline, and a sense of service that is very motivating. They are the reason that we continue to serve, and they are the reason we will continue to win this fight. It's because of the young Sailors and Marines working hard everyday, and they're motivated and excited about what they do. It's been a pleasure serving alongside you."

Kelley recently completed his first flag tour as Chief of Naval Air Training.

"Today I am indeed honored to be joining this incredible team at such a critical point in your deployment," he remarked. "Carrier Strike Group 12, the work you do here is incredibly important. Your presence here demonstrates our country's commitment to the region. Your near-perfect execution of our missions creates conditions that enable trust and cooperation."

Kelley was designated a naval aviator in August 1986. His first command tour was with the Diamondbacks of VFA-102 aboard Theodore Roosevelt in 2001, to include a record-setting deployment with 3,346 combat hours during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Kelley's second command tour was with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 in 2009, where he made two deployments aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of OEF.

Lewis has flown more than 100 combat missions in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Deny Flight, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He previously served as the director of Fleet Training (N7) at Fleet Forces Command, and as commander of Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada.

CCSG12 reports to commander, Task Force (CTF) 80 and Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, as one of the carrier strike group commanders in the CTF 80 area of responsibility. Operationally, CSG12 is Commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) which is composed of Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 1, Destroyer Squadron 2 staff, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

TRCSG is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.

For more information from CCSG-12, visit www.ccsg12.navy.mil

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/.