SAN DIEGO – Capt. Yvette M. Davids relieved Capt. Michael J. Ford as commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 8.
“I am extremely honored to have commanded the Bunker Hill,” said Ford. “This ship is crewed by the finest officers, chiefs and Sailors in the Navy. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve with all of them.”
During Ford’s 18 months in command, the ship completed two Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployments serving as Air Defense Commander for Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. The ship returned home from its most recent deployment in May 2012, having conducted missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship participated along with other units of Carrier Strike Group One in MALABAR 2012, a bi-lateral exercise that helps foster increased interoperability with the Indian Navy.
Davids is one of the first Hispanic women to assume command of one of the Navy’s most capable air defense command platforms.