Ramage Holds At-Sea Change of Command Ceremony

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) held a change of command ceremony at sea July 24.

Cmdr. Randell W. Dykes, who departed to become the reactor officer for USS Enterprise (CVN-65), passed command to Cmdr. Peter G. Galluch on the ship's flight deck.

Before relinquishing command, Dykes praised the crew for all the good work they have done and offered encouraging words about their upcoming deployment.

"The reason why Ramage has been able to do the things that she has done and will continue to do is because of every last person standing here.

"I am confident that you are warriors; that you will go over there and whatever comes your way, you will all do the right thing because you are well trained and well prepared to do that."

Dykes concluded his final remarks by assuring the crew that they will be in good hands with Galluch.

Galluch comes to Ramage after completing a tour at the Joint Staff in J5 (Strategy and Policy Directorate) Iraq Division.

"I am thrilled and at the same time humbled to be standing before you today," he said. "Ramage, under Captain Dykes' leadership, has excelled and I know that together we will continue this tradition. I appreciate your welcome, your service and a truly outstanding turnover."

Galluch is a native of Lackawanna, N.Y. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1990, and his initial sea duty assignment was aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) as electrical officer and first lieutenant. He deployed twice with the USS Independence (CV 62) Battle Group to the Arabian Gulf.

Gallauch's subsequent sea duty assignments included weapons officer and combat systems officer aboard USS Valley Forge (CG 50), where he made an Arabian Gulf Deployment with the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group and a counter-narcotics deployment. He also served as the commissioning executive officer of USS Mustin (DDG 89).

His shore and staff duty includes receiving a master's degree in strategic planning at the Naval Postgraduate School; air warfare and missile defense officer on the staff of Commander, United States 6th Fleet; and flag secretary for Commander, United States Naval Surface Forces.

Galluch's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five awards), and various service and campaign awards.

Ramage is currently participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 as a part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). The Iwo Jima ESG is made up of Ramage, the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); all homeported at Norfolk, Va. the USS Roosevelt (DDG 80); homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg