By Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) – Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 held a change of command ceremony aboard USS Truxtun (DDG 103), Feb. 1.
Capt. William Shafley relieved Capt. Christopher Inskeep and assumed duties as commander, DESRON 26 in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, family and crew.
Inskeep, a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a Florence, Alabama, native, assumed command in November 2017. During his tour, Inskeep oversaw the successful completion of two independent destroyer deployments, two submarine commanders courses, three Chief of Naval Operations selected restricted availabilities, and three examinations by the Board of Inspection and Survey. Additionally, he guided six commanding officers responsible for the readiness of 2,000 Sailors and $100 million in repair funds.
Rear Adm. John Meier, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, spoke about Inskeep’s dedication to the CSG 10 team and his leadership acumen.
“When you’re at home no doubt you and your family pray for peace,” Meier said. “while every day you have prepared this DESRON for war.”
In his remarks, Inskeep credited the success of his tour to the teamwork of the warfare commanders and the hard work of Sailors. Inskeep spoke about the dedicated service and sacrifice his wife children have made over the past 22 years. He also was proud to turn the reigns of command over to Shafley, his deputy for the past 14 months.
Of Shafley, Inskeep said, “you are the right person with the skill set to take DESRON Two Six to greater heights and deployment. Admiral, you are getting one heck of an officer.”
Inskeep reports next as Commander, Afloat Training Group Atlantic.
Shafley, a native of Miami, Ohio, graduated from Miami University in 1994. He assumed command of DESRON 26 following a tour as deputy commodore. His command tours include commanding officer of USS Kaufman (FFG 59) and commanding officer course lead and curriculum director at Naval Leadership and Ethics Center.
“To the commanding officers, ships, and staff of Destroyer Squadron 26, I am inspired by you and your efforts,” Shafley said. “You are all first-rate people, we are going to have a lot of fun!”
Most recently, members of DESRON 26 deployed aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in support of Operation Enduring Promise.
DESRON 26 consists of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG