DESRON 40 Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Khor | 210802-N-DB801-0318 MAYPORT, Fla. - (Aug. 2, 2021) – Capt. Thomas Myers, is piped ashore after being relieved by Capt. Peter Ehlers as commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 at a change of command ceremony on board Naval Station Mayport, Aug. 2, 2021. DESRON 40, part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, provides dedicated tactical support to naval operations in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. The squadron fosters unity and cooperation with Caribbean and Central and South American partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor/Released)  

UNITED STATES

08.02.2021

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

Capt. Peter Ehlers relieved Capt. Thomas Myers as Commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Aug. 2.

During his time at DESRON 40, Myers participated in the Continuing Promise missions in 2018 and 2019, and led planning and execution for UNITAS 2019 and 2020. He served as commander of the maritime element for humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Eta and Iota in November 2020. Myers also served as Commander, Task Force 45, which focuses on combatting counter-illicit trafficking in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

“My time at was a rewarding experience filled with different mission sets not commonly seen through many traditional staff experiences,” said Myers. “I wish Capt. Ehlers and the team the best of luck as they continue to meet the needs of deployed forces in this complex and challenging operational environment.”

Myers is a native of Hampton, S.C., and graduated from Norfolk State University in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from Troy University and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College.

In previous tours at-sea, Myers served as the executive officer on board USS Monterey (CG 61), executive officer and commanding officer of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), and commanding officer of USS Anzio (CG 68).

Myers next assignment will be Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, Virginia Beach, Va.

Ehlers is assuming command after serving as DESRON 40’s Deputy Commodore.

Originally from Portsmouth, Va., he is a 1996 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He is a graduate of the Naval War College where he received a Master of Art degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Ehlers has served as executive and commanding officer of USS Robert G Bradley (FFG 49).

DESRON 40, part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, provides dedicated tactical support to naval operations in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility. The squadron fosters unity and cooperation with Caribbean and Central and South American partner nations.

• Date Taken: 08.02.2021
• Date Posted: 08.02.2021 15:13
• Story ID: 402249
• Location: US