USS Nimitz Holds Change of Command

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Vanessa Y. David, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) held a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier March 29.

Capt. Jeffrey S. Ruth relieved Capt. Paul O. Monger.

Monger assumed command of Nimitz Aug. 24, 2009. Since then, the ship completed a deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations, Board of Inspection and Survey assessment and finished its docked planning incremental availability.

"It has been a true privilege to serve as commanding officer for such a historic and storied ship," said Monger. "I couldn't have asked for a more professional and dedicated crew to serve with. They have made me proud every day of my tour."

Ruth reported to Nimitz following his tour as the fleet readiness officer of Commander Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet, in San Diego.

"To say this ship and crew have a sterling reputation would be an understatement," said Ruth. "This is a fantastic ship - a true testament to Capt. Monger for all the outstanding efforts put forth during the overhaul period."

Ruth graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. He reported to flight school at Naval Air Station Pensacola later that year, and was designated a naval flight officer in January 1988.

Ruth made two deployments to the western Pacific aboard the USS Ranger (CV 61) for his first fleet assignment with the Bountyhunters of VF-2. During his second deployment, he flew 43 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm.

In 1994, he earned his master's degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School (NPS/TPS) Co-op program.

Ruth has served as the F-14D project officer at Naval Air Warfare Center, Point Mugu, Calif., he joined the Patriots of VAQ-140 and completed deployments with both the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He also deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy where he flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation Allied Force.

From 2003 to 2005, Ruth deployed to the Persian Gulf on board USS Enterprise (CVN 65), assumed command of VAQ-137, and served as the Navigator on board USS George Washington (CVN 73). In 2008, he reported aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) where he served as the executive officer until December 2009. From August 2010 until 2011, he commanded the U.S. 6th Fleet's flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).