Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) held a change of command ceremony, Feb. 15, at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

Cmdr. Jon Hopkins relieved Cmdr. Jennifer Pontius as commanding officer. Pontius assumed command of Milius, July 7, 2017, and will serve her next tour at Carrier Strike Group 11.

“It’s hard to express in words the gratitude I have for your commitment and your many accomplishments over the past few years," said Pontius. "It’s been an incredible journey, watching you grow into a team of professionals any commanding officer would be proud to lead.”

During her 19-month tour, Pontius commanded Milius through all basic-phase certifications, as well as moving the ship and crew from a San Diego homeport to forward-deployed Yokosuka, Japan. While in Japan, Milius participated in multilateral exercises with both the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea navy. Additionally, Milius completed patrols throughout U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, including the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea.

Hopkins is a California native, and most recently served as executive officer aboard Milius.

“I am honored to serve as the commanding officer of this fine warship, and I thank Commander Pontius for her leadership over the last year and a half,” said Hopkins during the ceremony.

Milius’ namesake honors Capt. Paul L. Milius, a Navy pilot who gave his life to save seven crew members during an armed reconnaissance mission over Laos. Presently, the ship is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Milius is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15.

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