Capt. David Walton relieved Capt. Kevin Ralston as commanding officer of amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during a change of command ceremony held on the ship’s flight deck, Jan. 20.
Rear Adm. James Kirk, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, served as the guest speaker and presiding officer for the event, during which he presented Ralston with a Legion of Merit for his time aboard San Diego.
“Under your exemplary leadership, the San Diego team excelled,” said Kirk. “To the men and women of San Diego, the hard work and dedication you demonstrated as a Navy and Marine Corps team is commendable, and I am proud of each and every one of you for your continued commitment to excellence.”
Ralston led San Diego through notable operations and exercises including a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, Operation Octave Quartz, Northern Edge 2021, Island Marauder, and a 15-month dry-docking selected restricted availability (SRA) where the ship underwent repairs and significant modernization efforts. San Diego earned the 2021 Battle “E” award under his leadership. He spoke of his fondest memories and the crew’s greatest achievements together during his remarks.
“What San Diego Sailors and Marines accomplished over the last two years is remarkable. From a long deployment without the breaks port visits provide, to a no-notice [Board of Inspection and Survey visit], followed by an extensive DSRA, this team has overcome every challenge put before them,” said Ralston. “They make the extraordinary seem routine. I’m proud to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing warship and crew and know I’m leaving it in the very capable hands of Capt. Walton.”
Ralston concluded his remarks by reading his orders, followed by Walton reading his own orders and addressing the crew for the first time as San Diego’s commanding officer.
“It is my honor to take command of this ship,” said Walton. “I am excited for what challenges await us, and, as America’s finest warship, I know that San Diego and her crew will exceed all expectations.”
Walton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from The Citadel and earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering and Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School. He most recently served as the Littoral Combat Ship Branch Head and Assistant Deputy Ships in OPNAV N96 Surface Warfare Directorate. Walton’s command tours include PC Crew India, where he commanded USS Sirocco (PC 6), USS Typhoon (PC 5), USS Squall (PC 7) and USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), and LCS Crew 212, where he commanded USS Jackson and USS Omaha.
Ralston will report to ESG 3 as chief of staff for his next assignment.
ESG 3 comprises four amphibious squadrons, 15 amphibious warships, and eight naval support elements including approximately 18,000 active-duty and reserve Sailors and Marines. As the deputy commander for amphibious and littoral warfare, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the ESG 3 commander also oversees Mine Countermeasures Group 3 and the 14 littoral combat ships and two subordinate divisions under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. ESG 3 is postured in support of U.S. 3rd Fleet as a globally responsive and scalable naval command element, capable of generating, deploying, and employing naval forces and formations for crisis and contingency response, forward presence, and major combat operations focusing on amphibious operations, humanitarian and disaster relief and support to defense civil authorities, and expeditionary logistics.
For more news from USS San Diego, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lpd22/
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| Date Taken: |
01.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: |
01.23.2023 17:09 |
| Story ID: |
437042 |
| Location: |
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: |
GARDINER, MONTANA, US |
| Web Views: |
563 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, USS San Diego Holds Change of Command, by LT Bridget Wiseman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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