Cmdr. Jason N. Lester relieved Cmdr. Casey C. Baker as commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) during a change of command ceremony, Dec. 7, at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to command Farragut,” said Baker. “Taking our ship on deployment and returning home safely is the culmination of a huge amount of hard work and dedication from the crew, chiefs, and officers. I am proud of the success we have achieved and will always treasure the shipmates I was blessed to work with. I am humbled and grateful."  

Commander, Surface Squadron (SURFRON) 14, Capt. Matthew Roberts, served as the guest speaker and praised Baker and the crew for their accomplishments.  

Prior to assuming command, Baker served as the ship’s executive officer. He served as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer since September 2017. The crew completed a deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to ensure freedom of the seas, conducted maritime security and theater security cooperation, and partnered with allies to conduct anti-submarine warfare. 

Farragut received four Command Excellence Awards, the 2017 Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) and the 2018 Retention Excellence award. 

Lester assumed command of Farragut after serving as the executive officer since June 2017. He said he was thankful for the opportunity to lead Farragut Sailors.

“I am deeply honored to command Farragut and her fantastic crew as we sail together, prepared for battle!”

Farragut Sailors thanked Baker for the memorable and successful years under his leadership and wished him and his family fair winds and following seas.

The ship is named in honor of the Navy's first admiral, David Glasgow Farragut, and is the fifth ship to bear his name. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is fitted with the latest technology to fulfill any offensive or defensive tasking.

For more information on USS Farragut (DDG 99), visit https://www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg99/Pages/default.aspx or https://www.facebook.com/farragutddg99/?ref=br_rs.

For a fact sheet on destroyers, with video, facts and figures, visit https://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.