USS Mustin Holds Change of Command Ceremony

INDIAN OCEAN — U.S. Navy Cmdr. Rhett Gilman relieved Cmdr. Christina Appleman as commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) during a change of command ceremony while underway in the Indian Ocean, Sept. 25, 2026.

“Mustin Nation my heart, my respect, my pride and what you have accomplished will remain on these deck plates forever,” said Appleman. “I’m handing you over to an incredible leader because you deserve nothing less. Keep learning, keep pushing and take care of one another. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve are your commanding officer.”

Appleman assumed command of Mustin at Naval Base San Diego, April 18, 2025. During her tour, she led the crew during critical maintenance phases, a homeport shift to Yokosuka, Japan, and a deployment in support of 5th and 7th Fleet operations.

For her next duty assignment, Appleman will report to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in San Diego, California. Gilman, a native of Houston, commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy in 2008. During his previous assignment, he served alongside Appleman as Mustin’s executive officer.

“It’s simple… Mustin will be ready when our number is called,” said Gilman. “To take swift, lethal action against your enemies and return home to those we love. I’ll remain relentlessly committed to your success and promise you this: I will give you my best every day and if you give me yours, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. Nation, it is an honor to sail with you. ‘Always be bold.’”

Commissioned July 26, 2003, the ship honors the Mustin family who established a rich and honorable tradition of naval service spanning nearly one century of naval history from 1896 to 1989.

Mustin is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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