Cmdr. Dave Huljack relieved Cmdr. Jennifer Eaton as Commanding Officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during a pierside ceremony held at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), April 20.

"I am thrilled to be back and a part of this excellent team. I look forward to serving aboard this premiere destroyer at sea," said Cmdr. Dave Huljack.

Huljack, a New Jersey native, is a 2000 U.S. Naval Academy graduate. His most recent assignments include Executive Officer on board Barry and Deputy Director of Professional Development at the Naval Academy. He attended the Commanding Officer "Fleet Up" School prior to taking command.

Eaton assumed command of Barry in October 2015, and will serve her next tour at Navy Manpower Analysis Center in Millington, Tennessee.

"It has been an honor to serve Barry and her crew." said Eaton. "My time as your Captain has been an incredible experience and journey. I'm humbled to have had the opportunity to command the finest ship in the Navy."

Under Eaton's command, Barry conducted a duty station shift from Norfolk, Virginia, to Yokosuka, Japan. The ship also participated in numerous bi-lateral and multi-lateral exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy , in addition to exercises throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations, including the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and waters surrounding the Korean peninsula.

Other command achievements under Eaton's command include the command retention excellence award, exercises Valiant Shield, Invincible Spirit, Republic of Korea Navy PASSEX, Keen Sword 17, Maritime Counter Special Operations Force Exercise 17, GroupSail 17, MultiSail 17, and Foal Eagle 2017.

Barry's namesake honors Commodore John Barry, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The ship is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to support security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.


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