NORFOLK, Va. – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman held a change of command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 27.
Family, friends and crew members were in attendance to see Capt. Gavin Duff, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, take the helm from Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, a native of Petal, Mississippi, as Truman’s commanding officer in a ceremony presided by Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl, who recently served as commander, Carrier Strike Group 8.
"As we operate in these dynamic times, the Navy needs brilliant leaders like Capt. Hakimzadeh,” said Scholl. “With his focus on leadership and dedication to the mission, he has made a lasting positive impression on the Truman and the strike group as a whole. I know I speak for everyone when I thank him for his true commitment and unrelenting fortitude that he has bestowed upon the sailors of his ship and her material readiness."
During his tenure, Hakimzadeh led Truman through a shipyard maintenance period, work-up cycle and a seven-month deployment in support of operations in U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. During deployment, the strike group made significant contributions in asserting American commitment through dual-carrier operations, air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and interoperability with joint services, allies and partners.
Returning from deployment in June 2020, Hakimzadeh led Truman through a successful extended carrier incremental availability period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. As evidence of the crew's sustained outstanding performance, Truman earned the 2020 Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic CVN Battle Efficiency award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the 2020 Battenberg Cup – among other awards.
"Every commanding officer since Truman's commissioning 23 years ago has fostered a tradition of excellence onboard,” said Hakimzadeh. “It has been my privilege to join that line of leadership and I hope I have done my small part to maintain that tradition."
As Hakimzadeh, whose next billet will be as aircraft carrier requirements officer for the Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98), thanked the crew for their hard work and dedication, he reminded them there is still work to be done.
“If there is one thing I know about this crew it is that their resilience will continue to amaze you,” said Hakimzadeh. “There will always be assessments, maintenance, and long periods of time away from home, but I am confident they will not only meet the Navy’s expectations – they will exceed them.”
Duff previously served as commanding officer of the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron 14, executive officer of USS George H.W. Bush, and commanding officer of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde. A seasoned pilot, Duff has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours and 900 arrested landings.
Duff expressed his excitement to build on Truman’s reputation.
"This ship and her crew hold the standard for aircraft carriers in the fleet. I am deeply humbled to be able to join them and serve alongside them as we prepare to deploy,” said Duff. “Every member of this crew is invaluable to the missions at hand and together we will continue to demonstrate the warfighting effectiveness and strength that the Truman team is known for."
Scholl was relieved by Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw on Aug. 26.
Truman is currently homeported at Naval Station Norfolk and is conducting the work-up cycle in preparation for future operations.
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