Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ashley M.C. Estrella
NORFOLK, Va. - A Florence, Alabama, native completed a successful tour as commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, Feb. 1.
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| Rear Adm. John F. Meier, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, presents the Legion of Merit to Capt. Christopher H. Inskeep, (second from left) Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, at the change of command ceremony for DESRON 26 aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun. |
Capt. Christopher Inskeep turned over command of DESRON 26 to Capt. William Shafley during a change of command ceremony held aboard USS Truxtun (DDG 103) in front of distinguished visitors, family and crew.
Inskeep, a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, assumed command in November 2017. During his tour, Inskeep oversaw the successful completion of two independent destroyer deployments, two submarine commanders courses, three Chief of Naval Operations selected restricted availabilities, and three examinations by the Board of Inspection and Survey. Additionally, he guided six commanding officers responsible for the readiness of 2,000 Sailors and $100 million in repair funds.
Rear Adm. John Meier, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, spoke about Inskeep’s dedication to the CSG 10 team and his leadership acumen.
“When you’re at home no doubt you and your family pray for peace,” Meier said. “while every day you have prepared this DESRON for war.”
In his remarks, Inskeep credited the success of his tour to the teamwork of the warfare commanders and the hard work of Sailors. Inskeep spoke about the dedicated service and sacrifice his wife children have made over the past 22 years. He also was proud to turn the reigns of command over to Shafley, his deputy for the past 14 months.
Inskeep reports next as Commander, Afloat Training Group Atlantic.
Most recently, members of DESRON 26 deployed aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in support of Operation Enduring Promise.
DESRON 26 consists of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Stout (DDG 55), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), and Truxton.
The squadron is part of Carrier Strike Group 10, also known as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, which also includes the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), and USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and the squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.
For more news from Destroyer Squadron 26 visit https://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/cds26/