Cmdr. John Gaines relieved Cmdr. Errol Robinson as commanding officer of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 8 at Hospital Point Park in Portsmouth, Virginia.  

Robinson assumed command in March 2018 and successfully led the destroyer through a strategically predictable but operationally unpredictable deployment, as part of the Dynamic Force Employment concept. With more agility and less predictability, the guided-missile destroyer supported maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. Navy’s 2nd, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operation. 

Additionally, he led the crew through part of a Chief of Naval Operations maintenance availability at a local shipyard. 

“It has been a privilege to serve alongside the greatest crew in the fleet,” Robinson said to the crew of about 300 Sailors, as well as waterfront leaders and family members. “You pushed your limits, in many aspects, and I am extremely confident you will continue to excel and show the tenacity needed to excel in future endeavors.”

A native of Florida and a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Gaines also served aboard as the executive officer from January 2018 to June 2019.     

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to serve the awesome Sailors of USS Arleigh Burke,” said Gaines. "I look forward to working with all of you as we prepare ourselves and our ship to go back where we belong--at sea."

Arleigh Burke is the first of 67 commissioned ships in its class, named after Adm. Arleigh Burke, chief of naval operations from 1955 to 1961. Arleigh Burke Sailors are mission-oriented and focused on readiness, training and certifications as they complete an ongoing maintenance availability.    

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