Cmdr. Janice G. Smith assumed command of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) during a ceremony held on Naval Station Norfolk, May 2, becoming the first immigrant of Jamaican descent to command a destroyer.

Smith, from Morris Hall District, Saint Catherine, Jamaica West Indies, relieved Cmdr. Russel B. Sanchez, from Clarksville, Texas, during a ceremony attended by past and present Oscar Austin crew members, friends, and family.

Smith immigrated to Florida with her family in 1988 after attending Bog Walk High School, Saint Catherine. The following year, she enlisted in the Navy as a mess management specialist. In 1997, she earned her commission through Officer Candidate School. Smith credits her grandmother, Iris Plummer, for her integrity; her mother, Gloria Oikelome, for creating opportunities; and her friends and family for helping shape her character.

Smith joined Oscar Austin nearly two years ago as the ship's executive officer. By "fleeting up," she will remain aboard as commanding officer for 18 months. She is only the second woman of African-American descent to command a destroyer and Oscar Austin's first female commanding officer.

"What is a ship without a crew?" asked Smith during the ceremony. "I thank the Oscar Austin crew for your support over the past 22 months. I admire your tenacity, commitment and dedication to getting the job done. You are an outstanding crew.

"It is a privilege and honor to command Oscar Austin, and I look forward to working with you over the next 18 months as we perform our nation's tasking," added Smith. "As a team we will continue to make our namesake, Pfc. Oscar Palmer Austin, United States Marine Corps, proud."

Sanchez began his 18-month tour as Oscar Austin's commanding officer August 2015. He led the ship through the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Composite Training Unit Exercise, a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility where he led counterterrorism operations in support of Task Force East Africa, and the ship's most recent maintenance availability.

Capt. Brian Fort, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 26, praised Sanchez for his performance and resiliency while in command of Oscar Austin.

"You and the crew have established a firm reputation on the waterfront for getting the job done right, on time, the first time," said Fort. "Under your guidance, this crew overcame challenges and a demanding operational schedule."

"To the amazing men and women serving aboard Oscar Austin, my final and special thanks have to go to you," said Sanchez. "Always remember that what you do is important and that you are important. Thank you for your service and the hard work that you do every day to keep the ship ready to fight when called upon."

Sanchez will report to Naval Warfare Development Command, Norfolk for his next tour of duty.

Oscar Austin is the first Flight II Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and proudly bears the name of Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, United States Marine Corps. Displaying indomitable courage and selfless devotion to duty, Austin was killed near Da Nang, Vietnam, February 1969 when he sacrificed his own life to save an injured companion.

Austin was recognized with numerous medals and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Oscar Austin is currently in a training cycle in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

For more information on Oscar Austin (DDG 79), please visit http://www.oscar-austin.navy.mil/.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.