Ridgecrest native Christina Appleman takes command of USS Mustin

SAN DIEGO (KGET) — Commander Christina Appleman has been selected by the U.S. Navy to take command of the USS Mustin at Naval Base San Diego.

Commander Appleman is a Ridgecrest native, her parents and brother still call it home. While she now resides in San Diego with the USS Mustin, she hasn’t forgotten her roots.

“I went to Burrows High School, class of 2003, so we are somewhat of a military town,” said Appleman. “We have naval air weapons station there so we have some exposure. It’s highly educated town, a lot of pride already in the military.”

The USS Mustin is one of the Navy’s most modern guided-missile destroyers, measuring 500 feet from bow to stern, it can achieve speeds exceeding 35 miles per hour. It’s also equipped with some of the U.S. Navy’s most lethal weapons, the USS Mustin boasts high-caliber guns, air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes.

A lot of fire power for any mission.

“It’s definitely up there, I think we could pack a few punches for sure if anyone tried to mess with us,” said Appleman.

This top of it’s class Navy destroyer is cared for by about 300 sailors. A major responsibility for Commander Appleman.

“It’s such a privilege to lead all the men and women here. We’ve had a lot of fun missions, dangerous missions, we get to do a lot of adventures and everything we do is important and that’s very valuable to me,” said Appleman.

Appleman took command of the USS Mustin in April, but her distinguished Navy career began in 2007. She served on the USS Sampson, the USS Pinckney and the USS Lake Erie, covering vast stretches of the open sea in her nearly 19 years of service.

She describes this current posting as a dream come true.

“It is such a privilege, we have so many talented men and women and young military professionals here,” said Appleman. “The people are what keep me coming back.”

Commanding ships in the U.S. Navy is a family affair. Her husband, Ryan Appleman, is also stationed at a Navy base in San Diego, serving as commander of the USS Chafee.

“It means a lot to us and it makes our kids really proud to see what mom and dad are doing…to see us taking care of our sailors and defending our nations, it’s been a unique and fun lifestyle,” Appleman said.

Commander Appleman might be 224 miles away from her hometown of Ridgecrest, but she has a message for those who might one day aspire to command a ship of their own for the strongest Navy in the world.

“I think that a commitment and believing in yourself, you can really do anything, you can be in command of a warship,” she said.

It’s those words that have inspired many under her command.

“It’s very inspiring to see women serving and serving at high levels in the military, it’s super inspiring,” said Appleman.

There’s no doubt the roughly 27,000 residents of Ridgecrest are bursting with pride for Commander Appleman’s accomplishments! She’s a true beacon, proving that no matter what port you hail from, if you set your sights on a dream, you can absolutely navigate your way to it.