CSG-4 Conducts Change of Command

Carrier Strike Group Four (CSG) 4 held a change of command ceremony June 7 at CSG-4 headquarters building on board Naval Station Norfolk.

Rear Adm. Daniel L. Cheever relieved Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Four.

Whitesell served as CSG-4’s commander since October 2017 and will move on to become the deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

"For the past 18 months the Carrier Strike Group 4 team of professionals has done an outstanding job executing our important mission focused on warfighting across multi-domains and against near-peer potential adversaries," said Whitesell. "Through mentorship, realistic and highly relevant training as well as assessment we have delivered combat ready forces capable of deterring aggression, enabling the resolution of crises and if necessary conduct decisive maritime combat operations to defeat any enemy."

Cheever, former Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, assumes command of CSG-4 that includes subordinate commands Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT), Tactical Training Group, Atlantic (TACTRAGRULANT) and Training Support Vessel Squadron Four (TSVRON-4).

“This is a superb group of men and women dedicated to ensuring naval forces are ready to deploy forward when called upon,” said Cheever. “I am excited to be part of the team that is at the forefront of training naval forces capable of controlling the high-end of maritime conflict.”

Carrier Strike Group 4 trains and delivers combat–ready naval forces to U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command capable of conducting full-spectrum integrated Maritime, Joint, and Combined Operations in support of U.S. National interests. CSG-4 conducts training through exercises that create a realistic training environment and includes academic, synthetic and live training. Groups trained include Carrier Strike Groups, Amphibious Ready Groups and Marine Expeditionary Units, independent deployers and Forward Deployed Naval Forces – Europe (FDNF-E).

"I could not be more proud of the command and the teams we have trained," said Whitesell. "It has been my privilege to serve with such a high-performing, experienced team of Sailors and civilians."