Van Buskirk to lead Carrier Strike Group 9

Navy officials announced Thursday that Rear Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk will assume command of Carrier Strike Group 9 based in Everett, Wash.

The group includes the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, as well as its supporting ships and Carrier Air Wing 2. The strike group routinely deploys to the western Pacific and this month completed a five-month cruise in the region.

Van Buskirk currently is deputy to the deputy chief of staff for political, military and economic business, Multi-National Forces, Iraq. He replaces Rear Adm. John W. Goodwin.