New Commander takes helm of U.S. Carrier Strike Group 3

Rear Admiral Todd Whalen has assumed command of the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG 3), relieving Rear Admiral Adan Cruz during a ceremony held aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on 10 April, according to a press release.

Rear Adm. Cruz had led the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group since May 2024, overseeing more than 7,000 sailors and marines across 12 ships and nine air wing squadrons. During his tenure, the group completed a significant combat deployment to the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas of operations, including strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi targets in Yemen.

“Deploying with the Sailors and Marines of Carrier Strike Group 3 has been the honour of a lifetime,” said Cruz. “Every Sailor and Marine in the strike group excelled under pressure and accomplished all missions called to do by our Nation.”

Under Cruz’s leadership, CSG 3 became the first to conduct combat operations using the F-35C Lightning II and integrated the Next-Generation Jammer into operations. The deployment also marked the first visit by a U.S. carrier strike group to Port Klang, Malaysia in over a decade, and included joint exercises with the Italian Navy’s Cavour Carrier Strike Group.

Cruz also oversaw the implementation of the Information Warfare Coordination Center aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, designed to integrate all shipboard information-related capabilities. He will next serve as Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5) at U.S. Central Command.

Rear Adm. Whalen, formerly President of the Board of Inspection and Survey, now leads CSG 3 and its subordinate commands, which include nine Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Carrier Air Wing 9, and the destroyer squadron led by USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121), the designated air and missile defence commander.

“I am honoured to relieve Rear Adm. Cruz. His steadfast leadership was critical to the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s success during their 2024 combat deployment,” said Whalen. “The CSG 3 team, and I will continue to strive for excellence and will remain true to our motto, in mundo optimum – the best in the world.”

Carrier Strike Group 3 operates under U.S. 3rd Fleet as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, providing a forward-deployed force in the Indo-Pacific and supporting global security operations alongside allies and partners.