The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxton (DDG 103) held a change of command ceremony at General Dynamic's Nassco Ship Yard July 27.

Cmdr. Geoffrey Pagano relieved Cmdr. Troy Denison as Truxtun's commanding officer.

"Serving alongside the men and women of our ship has truly been an honor," said Denison. "What this crew has accomplished over the last year and a half is quite amazing, and it has been an inspiration to me to be a part of it. Although I couldn't get you a swim call on deployment, thank you for the dedication to complete the mission. The resilience of this crew has shown the true meaning of 'Pursue, Attack, Vanquish.'"

Truxtun returned to Norfolk from its deployment in August 2017, after supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, the joint NATO exercise Saxon Warrior, and other operational commitments. After a ten-month maintenance period, Truxtun will begin sea-trials and test a new hybrid-electric drive aiming to conserve fuel by using electricity for propulsion.

Pagano, who had previously served as the executive officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) offered some insight regarding the accomplishments of the crew, and noted his hopes for the future.

"I am very fortunate to be able to be part of this crew," said Pagano. "Despite the upcoming busy schedule with completing the yard period and entering into the basic phase, I have great confidence that you will meet the way ahead with success. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with you, very excited to become a member of our ship, and very much looking forward to the next couple of years."

Truxtun is currently in a CNO maintenance availability and is currently preparing for their Light Off Assessment where all major engineering equipment will be brought online and tested.


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