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GW begins new era as former XO returns to take command On April 20,1995, before an assembled crew of more than 1.000 GW Sailors and as many guests, Capt. Malcolm P. Branch assumed command of the “Spirit of Freedom, relieving Capt. Robert G. Sprigg in a nautical ceremony on the carrier’s flight deck. In attendance that day were Mrs. Paula Sprigg, Mrs. Nancy Branch, Capt. Sprigg's parents, and Capt. Branch's father, Rae, who was an Army fighter pilot during WWII. A very special guest at the ceremony was former Chief of Naval Operations, the late Adm. Mike Boorda. Boorda and GW had a special relationship; the aircraft carrier was the first one to deploy during his tenure as CNO. Branch, too, felt an affinity for GW. having served a tour as the ship's Executive Officer before going on to command USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). As XO, Branch had the opportunity to act as commissioning officer during the ship's commissioning ceremony on July 4, 1992, and gave the command for the ship to “come alive, signifying the beginning of GWs service to the fleet. For Sprigg, whose command culminated in his selection for promotion to flag rank, it was a day of mixed emotions. He was extremely proud of the award-winning ship he was turning over, but it was difficult parting with a crew with which he had shared so many trials and triumphs. For Branch, a veteran aviator with more than 3,000 hours of flight experience, it was the finest hour of his distinguished naval career. By taking command of GW. he acquired a distinction shared only with the 12 other commanding officers of the stable of aircraft carriers known as the “Flat-top Fleet. 14 Change of Command
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