PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Pearl Harbor Apr. 26.
Cmdr. John M. Loomis relieved Cmdr. Jesse M. Mink as commanding officer.
During the ceremony, Mink thanked many of the senior officers in attendance for their mentoring, and his family for their continued support. He also thanked his wardroom, chief petty officers' mess, and crew for their perseverance and dedication to mission accomplishment.
Capt. Joseph Ring, commander, Destroyer Squadron 31, praised Mink for his outstanding performance as commanding officer and presented him with the Meritorious Service Medal followed by the traditional presentation of the ship's command pennant by Command Master Chief (SW) Charles Thomas.
Mink assumed command of John Paul Jones October 2017. During his tenure, he led the John Paul Jones through an extended maintenance availability and successful completion of FTG-11, a historic, multi-agency homeland defense live-fire mission in the eastern Pacific Ocean, before entering the Basic Phase.
Cmdr. Mink’s next assignment is with Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems in Washington, D.C.
Cmdr. Loomis served as Executive Officer aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and most recently as Chief Staff Officer, Coastal Riverine Group ONE before accepting orders to John Paul Jones.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Capt. Kenneth M. Athans, Afloat Training Group Middle