George Wikoff’s Legacy Celebrated as Curt Renshaw Takes Command
TDT | Manama
Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com
A formal Change of Command ceremony was held at the U.S. Navy base in Manama, underscoring the longstanding naval traditions of transferring authority, honoring heritage, and celebrating the discipline and continuity that define the Navy. This year, as the U.S. Navy approaches its 250th anniversary on October 13, Navy history and tradition were particularly on the minds of all attendees.
The event marked the official handover of leadership from Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the U.S. Fifth Fleet, to Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, who was promoted earlier in the day prior to the ceremony. Vice Admiral Wikoff will assume command of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, based in Italy.
Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Central Command, officiated the ceremony and praised both officers. “Today is a Navy day,” Admiral Cooper said. “We celebrate a core Navy principle: the exercise of command, absolute accountability, and the definition of outstanding leadership. George Wikoff has had a tour for ages. Under his steady hand, NAVCENT flawlessly executed missions during the most dynamic periods across the region.”
Admiral Cooper highlighted Vice Admiral Wikoff’s achievements in maintaining regional maritime security, citing operations such as Rough Rider and Midnight Hammer. “When smuggling networks tried to move weapons, narcotics, and illicit cargo, George drove NAVCENT to expand aerial and surface patrols across the theatre, seizing over a billion dollars in narcotics and advanced conventional weapons,” he said. “These weren’t just tactical wins; these were strategic victories that saved lives across the region.”
The ceremony also recognized the essential support of the officers’ families. “All of us in uniform will always recognize that service is reinforced by our families,” Admiral Cooper noted. “Our spouses may not wear a uniform, but they absolutely serve alongside us.”
Vice Admiral George Wikoff addressed attendees, expressing gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the multinational coalition supporting NAVCENT operations. “As gracious hosts enabling both NAVCENT and CMF operations, the Kingdom of Bahrain plays a critical role every day,” Wikoff said. “I thank His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the people of Bahrain for making us feel at home from the moment we arrived.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Wikoff praised the sailors and staff under his command: “Sailors are forged by the sea, and together we are responsible for one another’s safety. Behind every team in the arena, there’s a team of professionals committed to their success. I’m convinced there are sailors home with their families today because of your pursuit of excellence.”
Vice Admiral Curt Renshaw, the incoming commander, expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “It’s an immense privilege to stand before you today,” he said. “Our mission here is not merely a duty; it is a solemn trust to deter those who would threaten peace and champion maritime security across this theatre. I look forward to serving alongside each and every one of you.”
Vice Admiral Renshaw emphasized teamwork, readiness, and partnerships as essential to regional stability. “Everyone must be a leader, and we will rely on teamwork, not just ships at sea, planes in the air, or staff at headquarters, but all of us together with our partners,” he said. “The complex challenges of this region demand a collective response. Partnerships aren’t just a diplomatic nicety; they’re an indispensable force multiplier.”
The Change of Command ceremony concluded with the formal reading of orders, a tradition dating back to an era when mail and personnel movement was slow and unreliable. This ritual publicly confirms the authenticity of the new commander and ensures that complete authority and responsibility have officially passed to the relieving officer.
The ceremony reflected both the enduring heritage and traditions of the U.S. Navy and the continued importance of strategic alliances in the Gulf region. With Vice Admiral Renshaw assuming command, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the Fifth Fleet are poised to continue safeguarding vital maritime trade routes and supporting regional security.
Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff served in fighter squadrons aboard USS America and USS Kitty Hawk, and held command positions including Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-211, VFA-122, Carrier Air Wing 3, Carrier Strike Group S, and acting Commander of Naval Air Forces. Most recently, he commanded the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces (February 2024–October 2025).
His shore assignments reflect his strategic leadership across multiple domains, including TOPGUN training, naval personnel management, joint staff operations, antiterrorism and homeland defense, and senior advisory roles within the Chief of Naval Operations office and the Joint Staff.
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