In his farewell remarks, Capt. Hodges expressed profound pride in his time aboard the USS Gettysburg, calling it “the privilege of a lifetime” to serve as the commanding officer of such an exceptional crew.
He described the men and women under his command as embodying everything that makes the Navy great, acknowledging their resilience and commitment.
“Serving as the commanding officer of this extraordinary crew has been the privilege of a lifetime,” said Hodges. “These amazing men and women represent all that is great about our Navy and it’s been an enormous honor to serve with them.”
His leadership, particularly during a deployment marked by increased global tensions, reinforced the USS Gettysburg’s role as a key asset in US military operations.
The Investigation and Its Impact
Despite these accomplishments, Hodges’ departure comes at a time when the USS Gettysburg is embroiled in an investigation regarding the December incident involving the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The friendly fire incident, which resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the ejection of its two aviators, occurred while the US military was conducting airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Although the two aviators survived, the incident raised critical questions about operational procedures and the effectiveness of communication among the ship’s crew.
Two U.S. Navy pilots ejected safely over the Red Sea after their F/A-18 fighter aircraft was mistakenly shot down early Sunday in what military officials are calling “an apparent case of friendly fire.” https://t.co/52vvFbLPL4 pic.twitter.com/H24mErEHt8
— ABC News (@ABC) December 22, 2024
The Navy’s investigation into the incident is still underway, with few details being publicly released.
The Navy’s top aviation officer, in mid-January, mentioned that a “big debrief” had already taken place to understand the cause of the mishap and to ensure that lessons were learned.
As of now, however, there has been no official statement linking the investigation to Hodges’ transfer, and Navy officials have maintained that the change of command was part of the normal rotation process.
Capt. Lucas Takes Command
With Capt. Lucas now at the helm, the USS Gettysburg enters a new chapter.
Lucas, who previously served on the Joint Staff, J7 Directorate, brings a wealth of experience to the role.
In his remarks, he expressed admiration for the crew’s “attitude and resiliency,” underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive and adaptable mindset in the face of challenges.
“What struck me most about this crew was your attitude and resiliency,” said Lucas. “I am motivated, honored, and humbled to be your commanding officer.”
His leadership will undoubtedly be tested as the ship continues to carry out its missions in the Middle East and beyond, all while adapting to the ongoing investigation and recovery from the December incident.
Lucas’ arrival coincides with an important period for the USS Gettysburg, as the ship has not only completed its deployment but also remains involved in various security and defense activities, particularly related to air and missile defense.
Under his leadership, the crew will likely be called upon to continue their critical role in regional stability, supporting US operations in strategic areas, while also processing the lessons learned from the recent mishap.
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