USS Bainbridge Holds Change of Command Ceremony
15 September 2023
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK -- Cmdr. Thad D. Tasso relieved Cmdr. James C. Hagerty as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, on Sept. 15th.
A native of Baldwin, NY, Hagerty took command of Bainbridge in February 2022 and successfully led the ship on a nine-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
“I am extremely proud of everything this great crew has accomplished,” said Hagerty. “Commanding Bainbridge has been the honor of a lifetime.”
Tasso, a native of Illinois, became the 13th commanding officer of Bainbridge upon completion of the ceremony.
“I am humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve as the commanding officer of Bainbridge,” said Tasso. “It is truly my honor and privilege to lead such a talented and dedicated crew.”
“It was apparent from the moment I stepped onboard that my predecessor forged an amazing team, with the pride and ownership that are the hallmarks of great crews,” Tasso added. “And while there is still much work to do, I have no doubt that we will excel in accomplishing the tasks before us.”
Commissioned November 12, 2005, Bainbridge is the 45th destroyer in the Arleigh Burke-class, and the fifth ship to be named after Commodore William Bainbridge.