CSG-4 Conducts Change of Command

NORFOLK, Va. -- Carrier Strike Group Four (CSG-4) held a change of command ceremony May 17 at the CSG-4 headquarters building aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. Richard Brophy relieved Rear Adm. Andrew J. Loiselle as commander, CSG-4.

Loiselle served as CSG-4’s commander since June 2020 and will be assigned as director, Air Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N98). As CSG-4 commander, he was responsible for leading CSG-4’s mission of mentoring, training and assessing East Coast-based deploying carrier strike groups (CSGs), amphibious ready groups (ARGs), and independently-deploying ships.

"It has been a privilege to serve with the outstanding professionals of Carrier Strike Group Four, setting and shaping the training standard for units deploying around the globe,” said Loiselle. "I know that through the efforts of this staff, forces trained by CSG-4 will succeed in the joint environment, upholding security and stability in any theater, under any conditions.”

Under Loiselle’s leadership, CSG-4 conducted four complex, integrated exercises to ensure readiness of deploying forces, including Task Force Exercise 2020, the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group / Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARGMEUEX) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and the Eisenhower CSG COMPTUEX. During this timeframe, CSG-4 also incorporated new elements in exercises, including the introduction of expeditionary strike force training, a North American Treaty Organization (NATO) vignette to train units to operate in a NATO environment, direct interaction between Numbered Fleet Commanders and the training audience, and lessons learned from the global Coronavirus pandemic. In addition, Loiselle also guided the first integrated assessment of ARG/MEU teams during the Iwo Jima ARGMEUEX AND COMPTUEX, ensuring Navy/Marine Corps teams were trained jointly in a variety of key warfighting areas.

Brophy previously served as commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center, and has also commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. He additionally served as deputy executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; Head, Carrier Strike Aircraft and Programs (OPNAV N980S) and executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans & Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5).

“The CSG-4 team has built an outstanding legacy of training deploying units to meet the demands of the Fleet,” said Brophy. “I’m honored to be able to lead this team of exceptional Sailors, Marines and civilians as they continue this critical mission of ensuring warfighting readiness.”

CSG-4 trains and delivers combat–ready naval forces to U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) and U.S. Fleet Forces Command, which are 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. CSG-4 includes subordinate commands Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT); Tactical Training Group, Atlantic (TACTRAGRULANT) and Training Support Vessel Squadron Four (TSVRON-4).