USS Princeton
Commanding Officer (November 2009 - November 2011)  
Captain Richard Haidvogel 
Commanding Officer (November 2009 - November 2011)

Captain Rich Haidvogel is a native of Big Flats, New York. He graduated from Villanova University in 1987 with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer’s Training Corps.

Captain Haidvogel’s initial sea duty assignment was in USS COOK (FF 1083) where he served as Damage Control Assistant and Navigator. He completed a follow-on division officer tour in USS LEAHY (CG 16) as Battery Control Officer.

Captain Haidvogel’s first shore tour was at Afloat Training Group Pacific as the Air Warfare Training Officer. Following department head school, Captain Haidvogel served in USS COWPENS (CG 63) as the Weapons Officer, then Combat Systems Officer. During his tour, the ship won the Spokane Trophy as the Pacific Fleets’ most combat proficient ship.

Captain Haidvogel was then assigned to Commander Naval Surface Force as the Air Warfare Officer. He then reported to USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68) as Executive Officer. His next assignment was as Flag Secretary to Commander U.S. THIRD Fleet.

Captain Haidvogel attended the National War College and graduated with a Masters of Science in National Security Strategy in 2005. He also completed a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on technology management at the University of Phoenix in early 2005. Captain Haidvogel had a highly successful command tour in USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) and deployed to the Philippines in support of the Global War on Terror. His next assignment was to Commander Strike Force Training Pacific as the Surface Operations officer.

His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign and service awards.

 NEWS
USS Princeton (foreground) and USS Kidd
NOV09 Exercise
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) move along-side the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
Steel Beach Picnic at Sea
Steel Beach Picnic at Sea
ARABIAN SEA - After spending several weeks at sea without a port call, the Sailors aboard USS Princeton (CG 59) enjoyed a steel beach picnic Oct. 16.
USS Princeton Sailors Earn Golden Anchor
SAN DIEGO - USS Princeton (CG 59) was one of eight guided-missile cruisers of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to receive the Fiscal Year 2010 Retention Excellence Award, also known as the Golden Anchor Award, Jan. 24.
USS Princeton Conducts Ammunition Offloading in Seal Beach
SEAL BEACH, CA –On February 14th, 2011, the USS PRINCETON (CG-59) travelled just a few hours north from her home port of San Diego to Seal Beach, CA to conduct ammunition offloading following a six month deployment.
USS Princeton (CG 59) celebrated 21 years of active service at Pier 10 Naval Station San Diego with a special guest Feb. 11.
USS Princeton (CG 59) celebrated 21 years of active service at Pier 10 Naval Station San Diego with a special guest Feb. 11.
USS PRINCETON at anchor for Change of Command Ceremony
USS Princeton (CG 59) held a change of command ceremony at sea April 23
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) held a change of command ceremony at sea April 23. Capt. Rich E. Haidvogel, Big Flats, N.Y., relieved Capt. Roy I. Kitchener, of Trumbull, Conn., of command at the ceremony.
USS Princeton CG 59 Deployment
Princeton To Deploy This Week To Persian Gulf
The guided missile cruiser Princeton will leave its homeport this week for an independent cruise to the Persian Gulf region, Navy officials said Monday.
USS PRINCETON sailors prepare to moor in Pearl Harbor as they transit inbound for a few days of liberty
USS PRINCETON sailors prepare to moor in Pearl Harbor
USS PRINCETON sailors prepare to moor in Pearl Harbor as they transit inbound for a few days of liberty before continuing west to the Persian Gulf
The Visit Board Search and Seizure team onboard USS PRINCETON (CG-59) conducts an approach visit on fisherman in the Red Sea
PRINCETON's VBSS team conducts an approach visit on fisherman in the Red Sea
RED SEA (August 7, 2010) USS PRINCETON (CG-59) is currently tasked with patrolling areas where piracy of merchant vessels is a growing problem. PRINCETON’s Visit Board Search and Seizure team conducts visits of vessels in order to better enforce maritime security, deter piracy, and police smuggling in areas where piracy is reported.
The guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) passes under the Coronado Bridge as the ship returns from a deployment
USS Princeton Returns to San Diego
SAN DIEGO (Dec. 22, 2010) The guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) passes under the Coronado Bridge as the ship returns from a deployment.
Third Fleet participating in San Diego Fleet Week
USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) from the U.S. Third Fleet area of operations will be available for tours Sept. 17 and 18 at the Broadway Pier during San Diego’s Fleet Week.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West visits the USS PRINCETON (CG59)
MCPON Rick West Visit to USS PRINCETON
SAN DIEGO, CA - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West visited the PRINCETON on 4 August 2011, to take a short tour and meet sailors during his stop at Naval Station San Diego.

 Served with...
Commander Christopher Bodine

Start Date: June 2010
End Date: June 2012
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