Capt. Jen Ellinger relieved Capt. Chris Cegielski as commanding officer of guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Sept. 28.

Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG 1), presided over the change of command ceremony. Fuller said he was impressed with the work Cegielski has done while at the helm of Lake Champlain.

"The deep insight and understanding he has of how to conduct a mission and his dedication to personnel readiness has set a high standard here," said Fuller.

Cegielski led Lake Champlain through a 6-month deployment with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group conducting maritime security operations and working with partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

During his closing remarks, Cegielski addressed crew members and praised their professionalism and dedication.

"Each time we were faced with adversity you could have hung your head low and felt sorry for yourself, but you didn't," said Cegielski. "You dug deep, embraced the 'can do' spirit and truly met every mission tasking that was thrown our way."

After official orders were read, Ellinger assumed all duties and responsibilities as commanding officer.

"It's important to acknowledge that this ship is forged in steel and aluminum, but it is also forged in the blood sweat and tears of the men and women who've served aboard past and present," said Ellinger. "I am truly humbled by the opportunity to take command of this mighty warship and serve alongside some incredible people."

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser was commissioned on Aug. 12, 1988 and is now homeported in San Diego. Armed with Tomahawk missiles, standard SM-2 surface to air missiles, two 5-inch dual purpose guns, and two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, Lake Champlain is operated by a crew of more than 350 Sailors.

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