USS Lake Champlain Changes Command

Guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) held a change of command ceremony on board the ship at Naval Base San Diego, April 23.

During the ceremony, Capt. Timothy Steadman relieved Capt. Christopher Barnes as the ship’s commanding officer.

Barnes gave much credit for his successful tour on board Lake Champlain to the officers, crew members and their families.

In his remarks, Barnes said that commanding Lake Champlain was the most rewarding tour of his career.

“I know I pushed you hard at times, and I volunteered us for every underway opportunity, but you always rose to the occasion and outperformed any command we operated with or for,” said Barnes in his final address to the crew. “Don’t ever forget what it means to be a cruiser Sailor. Cruiser Sailors lead the fleet by example, we do everything right because we are expected to do everything right, and you’ve all done it with pride and excellence.”

Steadman, a native of Mystic, Connecticut and a 1990 graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, previously served as commanding officer of USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and most recently as executive assistant to the director, Navy Staff in Washington, D.C.

“There is little question in my mind that you have made this ship the finest Aegis Cruiser in the Navy,” said Steadman of Barnes. “I am humbled and honored to be your relief.

Barnes’ next assignment will be at Strike Force Training Pacific on board Naval Air Station North Island where he will serve as chief of staff.

Next month, Lake Champlain is scheduled to travel to Portland, Oregon to participate in the Portland Rose Festival. This summer the ship and crew will sail to Hawaii to participate in the Navy’s biennial international Rim of the Pacific exercise.

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Press Release, April 29, 2014; Image: US Navy