IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. – Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 welcomed its newest leader during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach, California, May 30.
Capt. Jedediah Kloppel relieved Capt. Edward Bertucci in front of friends, family members, and MESG-1 personnel as part of a ceremony at the group’s headquarters.
Bertucci took command of MESG-1 in February 2024. Under his leadership at MESG-1, Capt. Bertucci has overseen 26 units of action, deploying Sailors to Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Guam, South Korea, Panama and Guam. Prioritizing readiness throughout his tenure, he continued the integration of the three sea services throughout the training and assessment process of MESG-1 units. Bertucci was the first commodore within Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) in years to have all eligible squadrons earn both the Blue ‘H’ and Green ‘H’ unit awards at the same time, lauding the units’ medical and health readiness.
“MESG-1 is an amazing staff, powered by a group of amazing Sailors and Civilians,” said Bertucci. “We man, train, equip, and support dozens of units of action, with over 2000 active and reserve component Sailors – all focused on protecting our most valuable naval assets. I am honored to have been a part of this organization.”
Bertucci will be heading to Madison, Wisconsin to serve as commanding officer of the University of Wisconsin’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).
Capt. Kloppel takes command of MESG-1 following a successful tour as the command’s deputy commodore. He spoke to the guests and MESG-1 crew during his first address as commodore about the importance of their worldwide mission.
“I feel so lucky to be member of this command with such incredible people that make coming to work every day enjoyable," said Kloppel. “I’m excited for the opportunity to command a team with such grit and determination to get the job done and meet the demands asked of them while ensuring we support our units of action with everything they need to train, certify and deploy, active duty and reserve Sailors, Coast Guard and Marines, to be the pointing end of the spear and conduct operations all across the globe.”
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability which reinforces blue water lethality by protecting port and harbor infrastructure, securing high value assets, and dominating in the littorals with maritime security operations.
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2025 14:56 |
| Story ID: | 499249 |
| Location: | IMPERIAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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