PHILIPPINE SEA –
PHILIPPINE SEA – Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 held a change of command ceremony, Sept. 17, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
Capt. Steven DeMoss relieved Capt. Jon Duffy as commanding officer. Duffy assumed command of DESRON 15 in September 2017, and will serve his next tour in San Diego at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center as the director of the sea combat division.
During Duffy’s tour as the DESRON 15 commodore, he was the warfare commander for all of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, as well as the Sea Combat Commander for Carrier Strike Group 5. Duffy led DESRON 15 for over two years, was the interim commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), and continued to build and strengthen regional partnerships.
"I am privileged to have served alongside you all over the past two years,” said Duffy. “The trail DESRON 15 has blazed to date is because of the time and effort and passion that all of you put into being a part of something far greater than yourselves. I could not be more proud to have commanded a force in which each and every Sailor directly contributed to our nation's ability to deter aggression, respond to crisis, and foster partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region."
DeMoss served as DESRON 15’s Deputy Commodore prior to his assumption of command. Capt. Chase Sargeant has assumed duties as the Deputy Commodore of DESRON 15.
"As a Forward Deployed Naval Force, the work we have done, and will continue to do, through our regional presence ensures security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific," said DeMoss. "The surface force in 7th Fleet will continue to be trained and equipped to operate decisively across all domains, serve as the partner of choice throughout the region, and carry on the phenomenal legacy that Capt. Duffy leaves behind."
DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed Destroyer Squadron and is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for the seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS Mustin (DDG 89).
DESRON 15 is the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principle surface force and serves in support of security and stability in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.