USA: Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) held a change of command and retirement ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, Sept. 18.

Rear Adm. Joseph W. Kuzmick assumed command from Rear Adm. David Woods, who retired from 32 years of honorable service.

“It is a special honor and privilege to be here today as we recognize and celebrate the service of Rear Adm. Dave ‘Woody’ Woods and his wife Debbie, not only for their leadership at Strike Force Training Pacific for more than a year, but for more than 32 years of leadership in our great Navy,” said Vice Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd, commander, U.S. Third Fleet. “At Third Fleet one of our more important responsibilities is providing realistic, relevant training for an effective global navy, and Woody has truly been my right arm for that effort.”

During his farewell address, Woods expressed his excitement in being able to turn over CSFTP to a fellow U.S. Naval Academy graduate from the class of 1981.

“This really is a bittersweet day for me as I turn over command to my good friend and classmate, Joe Kuzmick and his wife Holly,” said Woods.

Highlights from Wood’s flag officer assignments include director, Strategy and Policy Division (N51), Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5); and commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF GTMO).

Woods began his current command tour in Aug. 2012 as Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific.

Kuzmick’s most recent assignment was the director, operations and plans (N31) for the Chief of Naval Operations.

“I’m very happy to get back to the waterfront, and Strike Force Training Pacific offers a great challenge,” said Rear Adm. Kuzmick. “I feel very fortunate and honored by the opportunity.”

Kuzmick’s sea tours include Attack Squadron 34 embarked aboard USS America (CV 66), VA-115 embarked aboard USS Midway (CV 41) and USS Independence (CV 62). During these tours, he participated in Operations El Dorado Canyon and Desert Storm.

He also served as Air Operations Officer for Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Three embarked in USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and as executive officer of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Kuzmick has commanded Electronic Attack Squadron 128; Amphibious Command Ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), and Stennis.

His shore tours include Attack Squadron 128 as an instructor; U.S. Naval Strike Warfare Center as Air Wing Training department head, and the Joint Staff National Airborne Operations Center as Command Center Operations chief.

CSFTP is U.S. Third Fleet’s deputy for training and prepares U.S. Pacific Fleet’s carrier and expeditionary strike groups for both routine and surge forward-deployed operations.

U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.

[mappress]
Press Release, September 20, 2013; Image: Navy