Commander, Naval Surface Squadron (COMNAVSURFRON) 14 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport July 19.

Capt. Matthew Roberts relieved Capt. Dale Maxey as the COMNAVSURFRON 14 commodore.

Rear Adm. Jesse A. Wilson, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, was the guest speaker and highlighted the importance of readiness, warfighting, ownership and partnership.

"You must be ready for the fight, you must be ready when you are called upon, and you must prevail when tested," said Wilson. "The surface force is a team of warfighters and we are stronger thanks to COMNAVSURFRON 14's vision and leadership." He added, "strict adherence to watch standing principles increases warfighting readiness, safety and effectiveness."

Maxey took charge of COMNAVSURFON 14 in April 2017, and during his command he helped to ensure the readiness of Mayport-based Sailors, ships and civilians.

"On any given day, COMNAVSURFRON 14 has staff members operating on land and at sea in numerous corners of the globe," said Maxey. "It's the incredible dedication of our Sailors that allows us to provide exceptionally valuable services to the Surface Navy."

Maxey said he feels confident the squadron will have continued success in the hands of Roberts.

Roberts most recently served as the deputy commodore for the squadron.

"I am honored and humbled to take the helm at COMNAVSURFRON 14. It has been a great experience to learn from Capt. Maxey during my time as the Deputy," said Roberts.

Maxey will next head to the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington, D.C. as a student.

Maxey enlisted in the Navy in 1982 and was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program then graduated from the University of Illinois in December 1991.

Roberts is a native of Sydney, Australia and grew up south of Issaquah, Washington. He is a 1993 graduate of The University of Arizona where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned via the Naval ROTC program.

COMNAVSURFRON 14 serves as the Type Commander Executive Agent and provides readiness support for fourteen Mayport based ships. The command ensures Mayport ships and Sailors are manned, trained, equipped and maintained in accordance with Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic policies and direction.


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