Photo By Robert Yang | Cmdr. Matthew Felton, left, Capt. Adam Cheatham, center, commander, Naval Surface...... read more read more
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII — Cmdr. Matthew Felton relieved Cmdr. Gerard Mauer III as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 2, 2026.
Cmdr. Mauer is a native of Virginia and commissioned out of George Mason University in 2004. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and International Politics, and a master’s degree in national security affairs with a concentration in Europe and Eurasia. At sea, Cmdr. Mauer served aboard USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Carney (DDG 64), and Destroyer Squadron 7. He also served as the executive officer of Wayne E. Meyer before assuming command. Ashore, he served as deputy protocol officer to the Chief of Naval Operations, undersea warfare module lead and Advanced Division Officer Course maritime warfare lead at the Surface Warfare Schools Command, and Executive Fellow to the MIT Security Studies Program.
Under Cmdr. Mauer, Wayne E. Meyer completed a nine month combat deployment to the Seventh and Fifth Fleet Areas of Operation, an extended Sustainment Phase, and again readied Wayne E. Meyer for an additional deployment ahead of schedule.
“Your service has made a lasting impact on the command, and your Sailors who have had the privilege to serve under your command will carry forth the values and lessons you bestowed upon them.” Capt. Cheatham, the Commander of Surface Group Middle Pacific, said about Cmdr. Mauer’s service as commanding officer.
Cmdr. Mauer had this to say about the crew: “[…] To the Wayne E. Meyer crew. You are the best. Hands down. The Father of Aegis is proud – I’M PROUD. You are a crew that gives its all, and are a legacy of true professionals. Keep forging the way forward – I will forever be cheering for this amazing ship!”
Cmdr. Felton is from Helena, Montana. He enlisted in the Navy in 2004 as an aviation electronics technician before earning his commission through OCS in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, and masters’ degrees in organizational leadership, and national security and strategic studies with a concentration on the Asia-Pacific. At sea, Cmdr. Felton served aboard USS Reuben James (FFG 57), Hopper, and Wayne E. Meyer as executive officer. His staff and expeditionary assignments include deployments with I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), U.S. 7th Fleet Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC), Destroyer Squadron 31, and Commander, Task Force 70 (CTF 70). Ashore, Felton served as operations officer for Naval Ocean Processing Facility Whidbey Island (NOPFWI).
“Having served as your executive officer for the past year and a half, I know your dedication, grit, and pride firsthand. You are the heartbeat of this ship. I am deeply honored to step into the role of your commanding officer for the next year and a half. Together, we will stand ready, face every challenge with confidence, and continue our powerful legacy.” Cmdr. Felton said about the crew.
USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) is the 58th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. Commissioned in 2009, the ship is named after Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, who is widely recognized as the “Father of Aegis.” Rear Adm. Meyer spearheaded the development of the Aegis Weapon System, which is currently equipped on U.S. Navy surface warships and serves as the backbone of the nation's maritime warfighting capabilities.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2026 20:42 |
| Story ID: | 569779 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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