Cmdr. David L. Burkett relieved Cmdr. Patrick Eliason as the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, June 12. The ceremony also served as the retirement ceremony for Eliason.

The closed ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize Eliason’s leadership as commanding officer throughout a 5th and 6th Fleet deployment, five maintenance availabilities and a condensed training cycle. Capt. Richard Meyer, Commander, Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen, who oversaw the change of command welcomed Burkett, and praised Eliason for his successful tour onboard.

Eliason served onboard The Sullivans as the executive officer before taking command in Nov. 2018 as part of the Surface Navy’s fleet-up program. He shared his perspective with the crew on the ship and her legacy.

“I could tell stories about these Sailors for days—they are a special group and I think our namesake would be proud of their hard work, grit and determination,” said Cmdr. Eliason. “This group of Sailors challenged me every day to live up to what it meant to be their leader. Don’t ever forget our ship’s motto: We Stick Together!”

Burkett, who joined The Sullivans crew as executive officer in Oct. 2018, is a native of New York and earned his commission through the University of Rochester NROTC program in 2001. He completed sea tours aboard USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23.

Ashore, Burkett served as an Operations Briefer on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff; Flag Aide to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5); Military Advisor to the Office of Counter Proliferation Initiatives at the U.S. Department of State (ISN/CPI); and as a Maritime Warfare Instructor at Surface Warfare Officers School.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this team and serve alongside you,” said Cmdr. Burkett. “I promise to work every day to be worthy of this.” 

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