08/31/2024
Dear Thundering Herd, Family, and Friends,
It is with mixed emotions that I share this final message with you. Today, 30 August 2024 at 0800 Pacific Daylight Time, Naval Base San Diego Tugs and USNS Grasp towed Ex-USS Cowpens out to sea, enroute to Naval Station Pearl Harbor to serve as a Logistics Support Asset. Four crew members of the Thundering Herd and I embarked to ensure the tow was sound, and disembarked near Point Loma.
As I regretfully departed The Mighty Moo for the last time, I smiled with pride, remembering the many fond memories of my command tour. Sharing the successes of the fellow crew members and the fellowship of the Cowpens Veteran Association Family were distinct highlights for me. The decommissioning ceremony on Tuesday was, in my mind at least, the best decommissioning ceremony the Navy has ever seen. I thoroughly enjoyed spending that time with you. I am immensely honored to have served as Cowpens Commanding Officer. Thank you all for your support and your service over the ship’s proud thirty-three years of service.
Victoria Libertatis Vindex!
Sincerely, with admiration and great respect,
CDR Jac O. Ullman, USN
23rd Commanding Officer
USS Cowpens (CG 63)