Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Holds Change of Command Ceremony

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer N. Barnes, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 held a change of command ceremony aboard Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., March 15.

Rear Adm. Herman Shelanski relieved Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. Driscoll had commanded CSG 10 since April 2009.

"I am one of those lucky people who stumbled upon what they were meant to do in life and was able to live it," Driscoll said. "I love naval aviation. I love the people, the aircraft, the carrier flying and the service we provide to the nation. It is honorable work. Over the years I have observed many carrier strike group commanders and tried to learn as much as I could in the unlikely event that I would win the naval aviation lottery and actually command one someday. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity."

In May 2010, CCSG-10 deployed with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, and Destroyer Squadron 26 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. As commander of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, CSG 10 was responsible for the tactical operation and maintenance of ten U.S. ships, several coalition Navy ships, and the integration of surface, subsurface, and air assets to execute assigned tasking.

Driscoll will report as the deputy chief of staff for Operations and Fleet/Joint Training aboard U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Shelanski served as the director of the Navy's Environmental Readiness Division since June 2009, and joined the Secretary of Defense Special Task Force to study the effects on the military by the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" in February 2010. He previously commanded USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

"Now this is an adventure I am truly humbled to become a part of," Shelanski said. "Even though I was member of Strike Group 10 just two short years ago, its reputation and accomplishments have risen to new heights. I have huge shoes to fill. To all the Sailors of Carrier Strike Group 10, although our first year together will be one of shipyards and maintenance, or squadron transition and turnaround training; how we do it will set the course true for the successful accomplishment of real world operations. We must [continue to develop] our tactical and operational way of thinking and training to be ready."

Carrier Strike Group 10's origins stem from Destroyer Flotilla 2, which was established during World War I in Newport, R.I., and served throughout the 1930s as a caretaker of Reserve destroyers.