The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) held a change of command ceremony May 9 while underway off the coast of Southern California as part of group sail with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3.

Cmdr. Brent S. Jackson, from Grand Haven, Michigan, relieved Cmdr. Victor B. Sheldon, from West Lafayette, Indiana, as commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.

A change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that allows "all hands," or all command members, to witness the formal transfer of command from one officer to another.

Before turning over command, Sheldon spoke about his time in command of Chung-Hoon, reflecting on the devoted service of his Sailors.

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this incredible team of Sailors," said Sheldon. "You impressed me every single day by your selfless dedication to the mission and to each other. We've been through a lot together; deployment, dry docking, an extensive training cycle, and most recently completing a tremendous training event like group sail really proved your professionalism and ability to seamlessly integrate with the other units of the John C. Stennis Strike Group. At every turn you have performed exceptionally. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the nation; to serve alongside you was a great honor."

Sheldon's next tour will be as the executive assistant at Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Forces Pacific in San Diego.

Jackson most recently served as the Maritime Operations Center deputy director at U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego. He also previously served as executive officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

"I am excited to take the helm of Chung-Hoon," said Jackson. "Vic, you've turned over a fine team at the leading edge of the fleet and I will proudly continue your legacy. In the short time I've already spent with the crew, they have already demonstrated their strength and tenacity, and that is because of your leadership. As a Surface Warfare Officer, the apex of our careers is command at sea. To be in command of a United States guided missile destroyer is as good as it gets."

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Command Master Chief Ben Rushing, who previously served with Sheldon, presented Sheldon with the Meritorious Service Medal during the ceremony.

Chung-Hoon is scheduled to deploy with CSG 3 later this year.

For more information about Chung-Hoon, visit www.chung-hoon.navy.mil/.

For more information about CSG 3, visit http://www.stennis.navy.mil/carrier-strike-group-3.html.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), visit www.navy.mil/.