Category Archives: Crew

Loss of a shipmate

FCCM Joseph Frank Wojewodzic Jr.

The Association has recently learned of the passing of Master Chief Wojewodzic. He was the commissioning CF Master Chief and Combat Systems Maintenance Manager, a key contributor to the successful completion of TechEval and OpEval.

RADM Anderson Assumes Duties as NAVSEA

VADM Galinis and RADM Anderson
RADM Anderson

Rear Admiral Tom Anderson assumed the role of acting NAVSEA commander from Vice Admiral Bill Galinis on Sep 1, 2023

Rear Admiral Anderson previously served on DDG51 as Auxiliaries Officer, Electrical Officer, Material Officer, and coordinated the first two Chief of Naval Operations availabilities of the DDG 51 Class.

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Arleigh Burke Change of Command

Commander Tyrchra Bowman relieved Commander Peter Flynn as Commanding Officer on Thursday, Aug 24, 2023.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to Commander Flynn, who led the ship through successful second and third FDNF-E deployments. We look forward to continued success of Arleigh Burke under the leadership of Commander Bowman.

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CAPT Robinson takes command of USS Normandy (CG 60)

Capt Errol Robinson
Capt Robinson & Capt Chase with RADM Huffman, Commander Carrier Strike Group 12

Congratulations to Capt Errol Robinson on assuming command of USS Normandy (CG 60). He relieved Capt Gary Chase as commanding officer on Feb. 28, 2023. He had previously served as CO and XO on USS Arleigh Burke. More information and pictures on DVIDS.

Another add to the growing list of Arleigh Burke shipmates that subsequently held command positions. Are we missing anyone on the list? Let us know.

Deployment Homecoming

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to home port after the second FDNF deployment on Oct 6, 2022. The deployment included:
– steaming 17,243 nautical miles
– six Strait transits
– seven replenishments at sea
– six port visits
– Atlantic Thunder-22, multi-national live fire on the Hebrides Range, including a live SM-6 firing

Loss of a shipmate

U.S. Navy Releases Name of Deceased Arleigh Burke Sailor – US Navy Press Release – August 4, 2022

Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman was lost at sea on August 1, 2022.

“This bright, young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke.  My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends.  We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss.”

“Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force, and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate.”

CDR. Pete Flynn, Commanding Officer, USS Arleigh Burke

Spearman, of North Carolina, enlisted on Nov. 10, 2021. He reported to Arleigh Burke on April 21, 2022 after his training at Great Lakes, Ill.

Arleigh Burke In Memoriam Page

RDML Tom Anderson Nominated for Promotion

Congratulations to RDML Tom Anderson on his nomination for promotion.

He served on DDG51 as Auxiliaries Officer, Electrical Officer, Material Officer, and coordinated the first two Chief of Naval Operations availabilities for the DDG 51 Class.

He held several later positions contributing to the success of the class, including Ship Superintendent, Planning Yard OIC, Post Delivery Coordinator, Class Chief Engineer, Regional Maintenance Center Commander, and PEO Ships.

VADM John Nowell, Jr. Retirement

Congratulations to VADM John Nowell, Jr. on retirement after 38 years of service.

One of eight Arleigh Burke shipmates (to date) that have made flag.