Cmdr. Donald Curran relieved Cmdr. Zoe B. Arantz as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) during a Nov. 21 change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk.

The ship’s 10th captain, Arantz led Nitze from August 2018. “I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege of serving as commanding officer of USS Nitze,” Arantz said. “It has been the most challenging and yet most rewarding experience of my naval career. I leave Nitze having forged a crew of sea warriors that are ready to meet the challenges ahead.”

During Arantz’s tenure, Nitze completed Advanced and Integrated Phase Operations in 2018 into 2019 to be certified as a deployable unit. The ship deployed Apr. 1 with Carrier Strike Group 12 and returned Nov. 5, completing a successful deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet. 

Curran assumed command after an 18-month tour as executive officer, preceded by tours as a deputy for Integrated Air and Missile Defense for US Pacific Fleet and as deputy assistant chief of staff at Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT).

“I am privileged to take command of Nitze,” Curran said. “There is no higher honor than to be asked to lead Sailors. My goal as commanding officer is to equip, train and lead Nitze’s Sailors for combat.  If necessary, we will execute prompt and sustained combat operations. We will always be ready.”

Curran graduated from Florida Southern College and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2001.

SURFLANT mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. More than 75 ships and 30 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force.

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