SEAL BEACH, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2025) – In a ceremony framed by expeditionary grit and naval tradition, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11 marked a pivotal change of command, transitioning leadership from Capt. Jason A. Motes to Cmdr. Colin T. Meddaugh.
The ceremony was held in front of the squadron’s headquarters at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, with PB224 and a HMMWV standing watch as symbolic sentinels of the command’s operational mission. The passing of the command pennant signified more than just continuity—it reflected the enduring strength of the Navy Reserve’s most deployable, combat-credible expeditionary force.
Presided over by Capt. Gillaspie, Deputy Commodore of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1, and attended by Rear Adm. Reginald Hendrix, Deputy Commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), the event was both a celebration of legacy and a launching point toward greater warfighting demands ahead.
“This is not a ceremonial handoff—this is a validation of trust. Trust in leadership. Trust in the team. And trust in our role as a combat multiplier in today’s fight,” Hendrix stated, addressing the formation of MSRON-11 Sailors and families in attendance.
Under Motes’ command, MSRON-11 surged forward as one of NECC’s premier maritime security squadrons, executing high-stakes missions across four Combatant Command (COCOM) Areas of Responsibility. His tenure included mobilizing more than 300 Sailors through complex exercises and combat deployments, standing up multiple forward-deployed detachments, and driving enterprise-level readiness.
Motes’ ability to bridge strategic vision with tactical execution marshalled the squadron’s superior performance across operations, inspections, and mobilizations. As he departs, MSRON-11 stands as NECC’s frontrunner, building on multiple successful mobilizations, forward-deployed missions, and a commanding lead in warfighting readiness metrics.
From reenergizing Reserve-Active integration to leading the squadron through grueling ULTRA cycles, his time at the helm saw the continuation of aggressive deployment planning, tighter integration of Reserve and Active Component teams, and the deepening of mission support to four COCOMs. His influence will leave a lasting impact on the command and the broader Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF).
“Our Sailors were never meant to settle for ‘just okay.’ We’ve pushed each other to find meaning, to strive for greatness, and to lead in ways that perpetuate the excellence this community embodies,” said Motes. “That’s the legacy I hoped to leave behind — one where no challenge was too hard, no opportunity too small, and no Sailor unseen.”
Taking the reins, Meddaugh brings a wealth of operational experience from across the Fleet, Joint, and Expeditionary domains. A Surface Warfare Officer with a deep résumé in coastal riverine operations, communications warfare, and overseas contingency planning, Meddaugh is no stranger to the tactical and strategic challenges facing the MESF. His most recent tours include key assignments in support of U.S. Cyber Command and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, and he has served forward with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 1, MSRON-3, and multiple CTFs, executing both maritime security and Joint mission sets in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets.
The ceremony not only celebrated a transition of command but also cast a spotlight on the strength, professionalism, and evolving mission of the Navy Reserve’s Type-II commissioned squadrons. MSRON-11 stands as a model of what Reserve Component (RC) units can achieve: high-operational tempo, deployment-ready Sailors, and contributions indistinguishable from Active-Component counterparts.
Whether enabling High Value Unit (HVU) escorts, supporting global maritime security, or responding to Joint operational demands, the men and women of MSRON-11—Reservists and TARs alike—continue to demonstrate agility, lethality, and resolve.
As the official party departed and the sideboys piped their final salutes, the message was unmistakable: MSRON-11 is built to fight and ready to lead. Combat-ready, mission-focused, anchored by tradition, propelled by leadership, and poised for the future.
Story written by Cmdr. Jhon Alcide. Alcide currently serves as the Executive Officer of MSRON-11 and was the Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Change of Command. A career Surface Warfare Officer and Expeditionary Leader, he continues to advocate for operational excellence and the strategic visibility of Reserve Force units across the enterprise.