COMDESRON 60 holds change of command

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Stephen Oleksiak | Capt. Dan Shaffer receives honors as he departs the change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples. During the ceremony, Capt. John Esposito relieved Capt. Shaffer as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60.  

NAPLES, ITALY

08.03.2012

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

NAPLES, Italy – Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Aug. 3.

During the ceremony, Capt. Dan Shaffer turned over command of the squadron to his deputy commander, Capt. John Esposito.

Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke highly of Capt. Shaffer’s accomplishments and leadership as COMDESRON 60.

“To be an effective leader at this level requires a combination which is hard to find and takes a lifetime to develop,” said Vice Adm. Pandolfe. “Unflinching technical standards, peerless professional knowledge, and I think most importantly a deep empathy and respect for those you lead and their families.”

Capt. Shaffer then thanked his crew who had worked so hard to accomplish the mission of DESRON 60 during his tour.

“I’d like to thank the sailors of DESRON 60 for doing all the things that lead us to where we are,” said Capt. Shaffer. “I have been extremely fortunate to have a front-row seat to the greatest show in Europe and Africa over the last 24 months and for that I am very thankful.”

Capt. Shaffer thanked Capt. Esposito for his service as deputy commander of DESRON 60, and wished him well in the future as he turned over command. Capt. Esposito then addressed the guests and expressed his gratitude to the crew of COMDESRON 60.

“I’d also like to thank the COMDESRON staff for their hard work and their attention to detail as they put together this ceremony to make this a fitting farewell to Capt. Shaffer,” said Capt. Esposito. “I’d like to thank Capt. Shaffer for his counsel and mentorship, and how he fundamentally changed COMDESRON 60 from a one-track organization to one that is routinely tasked to plan region-wide operations.”

Capt. Shaffer will serve as the executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; and Commander, Allied Joint Forces Command-Naples.

COMDESRON 60 is headquartered in Naples, Italy, and oversees U.S. 6th Fleet surface operations in the Mediterranean and throughout Europe and Africa.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2012
• Date Posted: 08.03.2012 09:04
• Story ID: 92614
• Location: NAPLES, IT