November 4, 2011
NORFOLK-- Guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) held a change of command ceremony aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 4.
Capt. Brian P. O'Donnell (CNCS 2002) relieved Capt. Eugene H. Black III.
Under Black's command, Leyte Gulf completed a successful Board of Inspection and Survey assessment followed by a six-month deployment in support of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. During this deployment, Leyte Gulf served as the Maritime Regional Air Defense Commander for U.S. 5th Fleet and conducted multiple counter-piracy operations, apprehending 29 suspected pirates and saving 44 lives. Black's next assignment will be at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
O'Donnell reported to Leyte Gulf following a tour as deputy commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.
Leyte Gulf was commissioned in 1987 and is one of 22 Ticonderoga-class cruisers in active service.
Posted by Alyssa Skinner, Office of Alumni Affairs
Originally published at www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=63658