EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) — Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 held a change of command ceremony aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), May 13.

Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker relieved Rear Adm. Mark D. Guadagnini as Carrier Strike Group 9 commander.

Guadagnini served as commander of CSG 9 since Oct. 29, 2010. He was instrumental in orchestrating and leading sustained operations during the strike group's successful six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

Under Guadagnini's leadership, Lincoln earned distinction as the Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle Effectiveness Award winner, receiving 13 of 14 departmental awards for sustained superior performance in an operational environment, prevailing in an extremely close competition among the six aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet.

The Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77, the guided-missile cruiser USS Sterett (DDG 104) and the fast frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) also earned Battle "E" awards while serving under Guadagnini as part of CSG 9.

In his farewell remarks, Guadagnini praised the hard work of the Sailors in the strike group and said their commitment to excellence was the key to such a successful deployment.

Guadagnini is headed to Norfolk, Va., where he is scheduled to begin an assignment as the deputy commander and chief of staff at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Shoemaker comes to CSG 9 from Millington, Tenn., where he served as assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for career management, PERS 4, Navy Personnel Command. He said that while he has big shoes to fill in his new post, he is acutely aware that he is responsible to his new command to maintain the standards of excellence set by his predecessor.

"The bar has been set awfully high by Admiral Guadagnini," Shoemaker said. "The Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is the class of the fleet, and I intend to hold us to that same high standard."

Shoemaker, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a naval aviator in 1984. He has more than 4,000 flight hours and more than 1,000 carrier arrested landings.

Shoemaker has previously commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17.

Lincoln is the flagship for CSG 9, which is homeported in Everett, Wash. The Lincoln Strike Group consists of Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and its associated ships USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Momsem (DDG 92), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Ford (FFG 54), USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61).

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.