Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F)/Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) held a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), in the port of Manama, Bahrain, on September 3.
Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan relieved Vice Adm. John W. Miller as commander of naval forces in the central command area of responsibility.
Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command, said in his remarks that during Miller’s tenure, the region has seen tremendous change and new challenges, including the start of combat operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Miller assumed command in May 2012. On any given day, he led more than 15,000 U.S. and coalition Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians ensuring maritime security and stability throughout 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and in 20 countries.
During the ceremony, Miller was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Donegan comes to NAVCENT following his most recent tour as the acting deputy chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy. His previous flag assignments include serving as the director of operations for U.S. Central Command and director of Strategy and Policy on the Navy staff. He also commanded Battle Force 7th Fleet and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73), and commanded the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). He also served at the Pentagon as director of the Navy Quadrennial Defense Review, and director of Warfare Integration.
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Image: US Navy