Carrier Strike Group Eight Changes Command Aboard USS Harry S. Truman
26 August 2021
NORFOLK, Va. --
Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl was relieved by Rear Adm. Curt Renshaw as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, during a change of command ceremony held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug. 26.
Following the 2019-2020 deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operation, Scholl led the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group through an extended maintenance period and rigorous work-up cycle in preparation for the composite training unit exercise certification and upcoming operations.
Having previously served as the commanding officer of the Truman, Scholl stated he is inspired by all of the accomplishments the strike group has achieved and how the Sailors have responded to every challenge.
“To come back to sea with the Truman as the flagship was like coming home,” said Scholl. “The commitment and warrior spirit I have seen from these Sailors across the strike group continues to amaze me and I know they will do great things for our Navy and our great nation.”
Scholl, a native of Beltsville, Maryland, said he considered it an honor and a privilege to command CSG-8. In addition to serving as the commanding officer of the Truman, Scholl served as a narrator and demonstration pilot in the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels; assistant chief of staff for readiness at Naval Air Forces, Pacific; and chief of staff at Naval Air Forces, Atlantic.
Scholl will next report as Deputy Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The DTRA is the official Combat Support Agency for countering weapons of mass destruction. He left the deployed strike group with some parting words of wisdom.
“The carrier strike group is an iconic symbol of naval strength and one that has the power to deter our adversaries and assure our allies and partners,” said Scholl. “We do not take lightly what we represent for our country and to the world.”
Renshaw, a native of New Albany, Indiana, completed his previous tour as the deputy commander at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Renshaw thanked Scholl for relieving a proficient command, which continues to train and maintain a high level of readiness.
“This strike group is held in such high regard across the fleet and I am honored to become part an elite team of naval warriors,” said Renshaw. “I look forward to building off of the already exceptional level of professionalism and tactical skills that the ships and squadrons have demonstrated during their training cycle.”
CSG-8 consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman with embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; embarked squadrons of CVW 1; guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56); and DESRON 28 guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).
Squadrons of CVW 1 include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 “The Red Rippers,” VFA-34 “Blue Blasters,” VFA 81 “Sunliners,” VFA-211 "Checkmates," Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 "Rooks," Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks," Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 "Proud Warriors," Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 "Dragon Slayers" and a detachment from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides."
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will continue to certify as a carrier strike group in order to return to operational readiness.
For more news from Truman and CSG-8: visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn75/ , www.facebook.com/ccsg8, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/csg8/, www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy