Lt. Cmdr Allen Bui and Lt. Glen Rugaber arrived in Okinawa, Japan late last year to augment the strike group’s watch bill as personnel prepared for the upcoming deployment.
Following ROM requirements in the current COVID environment both Bui and Rugaber quickly attained their qualifications and accepted the responsibility of taking over the watch station of Battle Watch Captain (BWC).
The strike group’s BWC is held accountable for 24/7 continuity of operations, management of equities, and information dissemination across all ESG 7 units. While not the most iconic watch in the U.S. Navy, being a BWC is a huge responsibility.
“The Battle Watch Captain is tasked with understanding the operational picture when it comes to afloat units and being able to answer the hard questions at any given time they are on watch and must also coordinate events and movements up and down the chain of command as well as across forces.” said Bui
In the past four months, Bui and Rugaber have sharpened their skills in understanding procedures at a tactical level and the procedures of reporting to ensure the most accurate and timely information is being shared to assist with decision making at all levels.
“Coming in each day is different and we never know what to expect. Some days are slower than others but we know to always stay on our toes because anything can happen in this dynamic area of operations,” said Rugaber
Most importantly every Sailor knows that clear communication and smooth turnovers are key to any watch station, and this one is no different. Just like any other watch station the leadership understand the importance of having the right personnel in the right place at the right time and according to leadership these reservist have certainly proved their worth here at ESG 7.
"Every day the Navy Reserve makes a difference around the world, and Commander Task Force 76 is no exception," said Rear Admiral Fred Kacher, commander Expeditionary Strike Group 7. "Our reserve watchstanders have been an essential part of our team, and their professionalism and capability have given me enhanced flexibility as a forward deployed commander during our strike group's most recent patrol in this incredibly dynamic maritime region."
Lt. Cmdr. Bui is designated as an Information Professional and assigned to a Naval Information Warfare reserve unit in Hawaii. He has been serving 11 years, as a reservist following enlisted active duty in the U.S. Air Force.
Lt. Rugaber is currently based in Las Vegas, NV. Prior to transitioning to the reserves, he served six years on active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer and stood over 1400 hours as Officer of the Deck.
ESG 7, which comprises ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rear Adm. Richard S. Lofgren serves as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting Commander, Navy Reserve Force. In this role, he provides strategic leadership and oversight for Navy Reserve personnel and operations worldwide, supporting the readiness and integration of Reserve forces across the fleet. A Surface Warfare Officer, Rear Adm. Lofgren brings extensive operational and command experience across maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and surface warfare missions, including service in senior leadership roles supporting U.S. naval operations in multiple geographic combatant commands. His career reflects a sustained commitment to operational excellence, leadership development, and the effective employment of Navy Reserve forces in support of national security objectives.
Rear Adm. Luke Frost is a Surface Warfare Officer with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across the fleet. He has served in senior command roles at sea and ashore, including command of major surface combatants and amphibious forces operating throughout the Central Command and Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility. As a Flag Officer, Rear Adm. Frost served as Director, Reserve Warfare (OPNAV N0959) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he provided oversight and strategic guidance for Reserve force integration and readiness. His career reflects a deep commitment to warfighting excellence, joint operations, and the effective employment of naval forces in support of U.S. national security objectives.
Rear Admiral John Saccomando is a Naval Aviator with extensive operational, command, and strategic leadership experience across both active and reserve components. He has served in multiple senior command and flag assignments supporting naval aviation, expeditionary operations, and installation readiness, including leadership roles within U.S. Fleet Forces and Naval Air Forces Atlantic. A combat-experienced aviator, Rear Adm. Saccomando brings deep expertise in joint operations, force integration, and operational readiness, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing naval capabilities and supporting U.S. national security objectives worldwide.
Rear Adm. Greg Emery is a Navy Reserve flag officer with extensive leadership experience across naval oceanography, intelligence, and information warfare. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has served in a wide range of operational, command, and staff assignments supporting global naval and joint operations, including senior leadership roles within Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Rear Adm. Emery brings deep expertise in intelligence integration, operational support, and information warfare, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing decision advantage and mission readiness across the fleet.
Force Master Chief Nicole C. Rios serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve, advising on the readiness, welfare, and professional development of approximately 59,000 Reserve Component Sailors supporting Navy, Marine Corps, and joint operations worldwide. A seasoned Command Master Chief, she brings extensive experience across aviation, expeditionary, and information warfare communities, with senior enlisted leadership assignments at the unit, regional, and force levels. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to Sailor advocacy, operational readiness, and the effective integration of Navy Reserve forces in support of national defense objectives.
Command Master Chief Lyons brings extensive operational and shore-based leadership experience across aviation, logistics, manpower, and readiness organizations within the Navy Reserve enterprise. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2016, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Navy Personnel Command, Maritime Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command. An Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is recognized for sustained excellence in leadership and readiness, earning multiple personal, joint, and unit awards throughout his career.
Command Master Chief Louvier enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and brings extensive aviation maintenance and readiness leadership experience across multiple Fleet Logistics, Strike Fighter, Helicopter, and Reserve aviation commands. Selected as a Command Master Chief in 2015, he has served in senior enlisted leadership roles at VR-56, Commander, Tactical Support Wing, Fleet Readiness Center Reserve Mid-West, and currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. An Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, he is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy and multiple executive leadership programs and has earned numerous personal and unit awards for sustained excellence in leadership and mission readiness.
Master Chief Jerry E. Dotson was born in Garden Grove, California, and raised in Sacramento. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 2002, and completed recruit training and Electrician’s Mate “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. His career spans operational, reserve, aviation, and senior enlisted leadership assignments, and he currently serves as the Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve.