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USS Gonzalez Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Story Number: NNS170113-07Release Date: 1/13/2017 9:45:00 AM
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From Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The crew of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) conducted its 18th change of command ceremony at the Waterfront Sheraton Hotel in downtown Norfolk, Jan. 13.

Cmdr. Les Sobol relieved Cmdr. Stefan Walch as commanding officer in front of family, friends, shipmates and special guest Dolia Gonzalez, mother of Alfredo Gonzalez -- the ship's namesake.

Under Walch's command, Gonzalez deployed in support of operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa from November 2015 to July 2016. Walch also led Gonzalez through Cutlass Fury, the first Canadian-led, combined, joint-maritime exercise designed to promote and enhance cooperation among allied forces in the Atlantic.

"It has been an honor to have led team Gonzalez through the deployment and NATO exercises," said Walch. "I am humbled to have had the privilege of serving with such positive, professional and hardworking Sailors, chiefs and officers."

Walch will report for joint staff duties at the Pentagon.

Sobol is taking command as Gonzalez begins its midlife upgrade following an eight-month combat deployment during which Sobol served as Gonzalez's executive officer.

"Going into a maintenance cycle presents an enormous change in operational tempo and requires a flexible approach to keep both morale and productivity high," said Sobol. "I am excited at the prospect of keeping 'Fighting Freddy' fit for the next chapter of her life."

Gonzalez is undergoing a midlife upgrade at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), Norfolk.

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For more news from USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg66/pages/default.

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

 
 
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