Destroyer Squadron 50 Changes Command

Photo By Brianna Dandridge | After assuming command of Destroyer Squadron 50, Capt. James Malloy salutes commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, during a change of command ceremony held aboard the coastal patrol ship USS Chinook.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

06.01.2010

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Brianna Dandridge 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Capt. James Malloy assumed command of Destroyer Squadron 50 during a ceremony held aboard the coastal patrol ship USS Chinook here, June 1.

During the ceremony, Malloy relieved Capt. Bradley Mai, who has commanded the squadron since June 2009.

Mai departed the command with strong words of praise for the service members under his command. "The DESRON 50 staff has made a fantastic team and works well together, with a can-do attitude," said Mai. "I couldn't have asked for a better team."

Malloy in turn praised the time Mai served as the commander of DESRON 50.

"DESRON 50 has performed a myriad of critical roles, and done so superbly under Commodore Mai's leadership," said Malloy. "Of particular note is the strong working relationship they have developed with the Gulf Cooperation Council nations in developing regional partnerships."

Along with assuming command of DESRON 50, Malloy also serves as Commander Task Group 55.1 and CTG 152.1. In prior years, DESRON 50 served primarily as CTG Iraqi Maritime, providing maritime infrastructure protection in Iraq.

Under the leadership of Mai, DESRON 50 took on the role of supporting the Commander Task Force 152 mission, working alongside members from the GCC nations to counter terrorism, illegal maritime practices, and defeat destabilizing activity in the Persian Gulf.

"Their work there has been extraordinary," Malloy said. "It is an honor to take command of such a dedicated and successful squadron."

Prior to assuming command of DESRON 50, Malloy worked as the head of Current Manpower Requirements on the staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel.

DESRON 50 conducts maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, developing security in the maritime environment, to promote stability and global prosperity. The operations complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

• Date Taken: 06.01.2010
• Date Posted: 06.02.2010 10:34
• Story ID: 50710
• Location: MANAMA, BH