SAN DIEGO – Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 5 held a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, Aug. 21, 2026.
Cmdr. Brian Conatser relieved Cmdr. Frank Megna as commanding officer in the presence of family, friends and MSRON-5 Sailors at the unit’s headquarters.
Megna greatly increased mission readiness and effectiveness since taking command in August 2025. He led the newly formed squadron through inaugural training and evaluation, conducting multiple underway training evolutions and advanced weapons training events. He simultaneously contributed to the Navy Reserve enterprise, standing up the first Navy Reserve Activity within Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of a team like MSRON-5,” said Megna, outgoing commanding officer, MSRON-5. “I’ve watched us grow from our establishment in 2024 to a fully capable operational unit ready for any mission. The drive, determination and can-do spirit of this team are truly awe-inspiring.”
Following his command tour, Megna will continue to serve on the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific staff.
Conatser takes command following a successful tour as MSRON-5 executive officer.
“I’m honored to assume command of MSRON-5 and incredibly proud to lead this team,” said Conatser, incoming commanding officer, MSRON-5. “Capt. Megna and our Sailors have built a strong, capable squadron, and my job is to build on that foundation. We’ll continue to focus on taking care of our people, maintaining a high state of readiness, and being prepared to answer the call wherever and whenever the Navy needs us.”
Capt. Jedediah Kloppel, commander, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One, presided over the ceremony.
"Since establishment in 2024, MSRON-5 has already proven itself to be a critical asset to the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force,” said Kloppel. “Capt. Megna’s relentless focus on realistic training and mission readiness has laid a rock-solid foundation. Passing the baton to Cmdr. Conatser guarantees that this trajectory of excellence will endure."
NECC established MSRON-5 in December 2024 to incorporate additional maritime expeditionary security capacity within the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force to provide port, harbor and high-value asset security inland, on coastal waterways and ashore.
MSRON-5 is an expeditionary, multi-service command that executes a full spectrum of combat and combat-support missions, including littoral combat and embarked security teams on high-value assets in support of global force management and major combat operations.