DESRON 21 Gets New Commander

Commander, Destroyer Squadron Twenty One (COMDESRON 21) held a change of command ceremony at Pier 2 on board Naval Base San Diego, March 27.

During the ceremony Capt. Brian Shipman turned over command of DESRON 21 to Capt. Robert Chadwick. Rear Adm. Ron Boxall, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, served as the principal speaker.

As the commodore, Shipman served as the immediate superior in command for eight Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers: USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Kidd (DDG 100), USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

Shipman’s leadership of the eight destroyers and more than 2,500 Sailors resulted in unmatched preparation for execution of extended deployments around the globe.

During his tour, Shipman orchestrated and executed Pacific Partnership 2014, directly resulting in the success of this first-of-its-kind, multi-national mission. He is also credited with seamlessly integrated the humanitarian efforts of medical and engineering personnel from eight partner nations in five host nations, markedly improving disaster preparedness capability and capacity while enhancing both regional stability and working relationships with critical allies.

Chadwick is a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He completed sea tours aboard USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Vicksburg (CG 69). He served as executive officer of USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and as chief staff officer, DESRON 24. He assumed command of USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) in November of 2009.

After command, Chadwick served as deputy executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and attended the National War College in Washington, DC. He reported to DESRON 21 in August 2013.

DESRON 21 is part of Carrier Strike Group Three/John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and is scheduled to participate in their next deployment.

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Image: US Navy