USS Philippine Sea Executive Officer Promoted

The executive officer of guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) was promoted to the rank of commander during a promotion ceremony held during a department head call in the wardroom, July 3.

Cmdr. Randolph Chestang received his command ball cap with “scrambled eggs” from Capt. Wesley Smith, the commanding officer, in front of the chiefs’ mess and wardroom. He was pinned by Lt. Molly Hanas and Lt. j.g. Robert Allen.

Chestang, who entered the Navy as a seaman recruit in 1991, said he saw increased responsibility in the officer ranks and decided that was the life for him.

This is the second time Chestang has served aboard Philippine Sea. He previously served as the operations officer from 2008 to 2010. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern University and a master’s degree in National Security and Strategy from the U.S. Navy War College Newport.

Since becoming the executive officer in November, 2013, Chestang has helped the ship successfully complete several qualifications including Composite Training Unit Exercise, which was the final step in the ship becoming deployment ready. Under his supervision the ship also passed its Maintenance and Material Management qualification at sea with more than 90 percent accuracy. He has provided guidance to the ship’s junior officers who are working toward qualifications and advancements.

Philippine Sea is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Press Release, July 10, 2014; Image: Wikimedia