Story by
MC2 Michael A. Lantron
Commander, Navy Region Hawai'i Public Affairs

Captain David Adler was relieved by Capt. John Carroll as commanding officer of the Pearl Harbor-based Ticonderoga-class guided cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) during a change of command ceremony Oct. 23 held at the USS Nevada Memorial onboard Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

"I will always be attached to Port Royal," said Adler. "As I depart, I wish you all fair winds and following seas as it has been an honor to serve as your commanding officer."

Adler assumed command of Port Royal on August 5, 2006. Under his command, Port Royal accomplished a major maintenance period, unit-level and strike group training and certifications, a Board of Inspection and Survey, a 6-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf, and Rim of the Pacific 2008.

Showing great emotion as he spoke to his Sailors and distinguished guests, Adler thanked the crew for the efforts throughout his tour.

"When I first checked onboard I asked you to never let me down and never stand me wrong and you never have," said Adler. "I want to thank you for all the dedication and hard work you've provided me over the years."

Rear Adm. Charles Martoglio, director of operations for U.S. Pacific Command and friend to Capt. Adler since serving together on USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) in 1997, praised Adler's work ethic as Port Royal's commanding officer.

"You have established and led Port Royal to be the ship that routinely does the exceptional," said Martoglio. "I congratulate you on a tremendously successful command tour. You have contributed so immeasurably to our nation at a time when it has really counted."

Rear Adm. T.G. Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC), was also on hand to show gratitude to Capt. Adler for his support to the region.

"The time I've been here has been a wonderful experience and a big part of that goes to Capt. Adler," said Alexander. "His leadership on the waterfront and counseled advice support for me has been absolutely critical to the success that MIDPAC has received over the last two years."