Cmdr. Bryan Gallo relieved Cmdr. Russell Caldwell as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during a previously scheduled change of command ceremony aboard the ship April 11.

Quotes:

"...the fact that Ross's crew executed this incredibly complex mission only four days into her fifth patrol is a testament to the value of having ships forward-deployed, home-based in Europe. This isn't really about 'coming up to speed' quickly, but rather a reminder that these ships are always ready for any mission."
-Capt. Tate Westbrook, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 60

"I truly believe that the USS Ross is the best ship in the fleet. Her wardroom and crew have made her a fine warfighting machine." Cmdr. Russell J. Caldwell

"I am honored and humbled to be the [commanding officer] of such an accomplished warship and incredible crew. I look forward to the many more opportunities she has and the challenges she will overcome."
Cmdr. Bryan Gallo Commanding Officer of USS Ross (DGG 71)

Quick Facts:

Caldwell assumed command of Ross Nov. 12, 2015.

Destroyer Squadron 60's commodore, Capt. Tate Westbrook, officiated during the regularly scheduled change of command ceremony held aboard Ross during a routine port visit to Larnaca, Cyprus.

As part of the ship's fleet-up program, the executive officer assumes the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer during a formal change of command ceremony after serving as executive officer for approximately 18 months.

While on patrol, Ross along with USS Porter (DDG 78), conducted a cruise missile strike against Shayrat airfield in western Syria April 7. The ships objectively coordinated flight paths in to order strike targets simultaneously, launching a combined total of 59 Tomahawk land attack missiles into Syria.

Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, departed on its fifth forward-deployed patrol April 3 and is conducting routine patrols in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.