Family and friends gathered together for a change of command ceremony at Naval Base San Diego where Commander James Watts relieved Commander Bryan Hart as Commanding Officer of USS Stethem (DDG 63). In attendance at the ceremony was Robert Stethem’s Father, and retired Navy Senior Chief, Richard Stethem.
CDR Hart has served as Stethem’s Commanding Officer since January 2022, he previously served as the ships Executive Officer from May 2020 to October 2021. He commented on his time onboard Stethem and how inspired he was by the tireless dedication of every Sailor under his command. He touched on how special the ship is and talked about the unique privilege of being a Steelworker. Commander Hart spoke about how Robbie’s spirit is alive and well within our warship and its Sailors. His follow-on assignment is staff at the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington, D.C.
In his final remarks, CDR Hart reflected on his last 16 months as Commanding Officer, stating, “I will remain forever grateful and indebted to our Steelworkers, and those who came before you, for your loyalty, strength and steadfast and courageous character. I will miss this ship, each and every one of you tremendously. Thank you for your unfailing service, and I wish each and every one of you and your families, fair winds and following seas. Thank you.”
During CDR Hart’s tenure as Captain, USS Stethem successfully completed its basic phase trials and assessments and graduated to its strenuous Advanced and Integrated phases. Under his command the ship confidently executed Surface Warfare Advance Tactical Training (SWATT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMTUEX), and Group Sail.
His relief, CDR James “Nate” Watts is a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia. He attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and commissioned in 2005. He also attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Masters of Arts in National Security Affairs specializing in Middle East studies. He has served as Executive Officer of USS Stethem since October 2021 and is grateful to return to take command of Robbie’s destroyer.
“To my fellow Steelworkers, thank you. The dedication of this stellar crew is on display here today. This ship would not be where it is, ready to deploy, without your continued hard work.” said CDR. Watts upon assuming command.
RADM ret. David Hart the father of CDR Hart served as the ceremony's guest speaker. RADM Hart provided the guests of the ceremony insight into how special the time honored tradition of a Navy change of command is. He spoke on his experience being in command of multiple units and platforms and how no matter what the “size or firepower” of a ship was, being in command was a unique responsibility with unique challenges.
Richard Stethem left the crew with inspiring words to send them on their way to deployment with Robbie’s spirit and mentality reinvigorated in their minds. “The Navy’s highest honor is in naming a ship after someone or something. Aircraft carriers are usually named after presidents, battleships for states. But the destroyers are named for heroes, and so the name Robert Dean Stethem.” Mr. Stethem described the characteristics of Robbie that he was most proud of and reminded the guests that “He was an American, this in itself stands for something great, for America is a symbol of freedom.”
USS Stethem is named after Steelworker 2nd Class Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem, and was commissioned on October 21, 1995, in Port Hueneme, California, as the thirteenth Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Stethem was returning home from overseas duty when the plane he was on was hijacked by terrorists. Stethem was singled out as a U.S. Sailor and was beaten and tortured by terrorists to have their demands met. Throughout the ordeal, Stethem refused to aid the terrorists, and as a result of his heroism, Robert Stethem was shot and his body was thrown onto the tarmac.
Robert Stethem was posthumously promoted to Steelworker Second Class (SW2) and ultimately to Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM) for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom as he laid down his life for the United States and his fellow Americans. USS Stethem continuously honors Robert’s sacrifice, proudly adopting the motto “Steadfast and Courageous” to highlight the exceptional heroism he demonstrated in June of 1985.
The Sailors USS Stethem maintain a close relationship with both the Stethem family and Seabee community. Steelworkers past and present are firmly committed to preserving the Stethem legacy of steadfast devotion to duty and courageous service. His spirit lives on and can be observed daily in the Steelworkers and in the ship that is Robbie’s destroyer.
USS Stethem is currently homeported in San Diego, California at Naval Base San Diego and will depart shortly for her deployment as a proud member of Destroyer Squadron Nine.