Commander Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 50/Task Force (TF) 55 held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, April 20.

Capt. Chase D. Patrick relieved Capt. Andrew "Andy" Arnold as commander of surface forces in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), presided over the ceremony and described Arnold's time in command as one of solid leadership for forces in the region.

"Andy was the calm in the storm during some very trying times," said Donegan. "It takes leaders like Andy and Task Force 55 to go out there, do the hard work, solve the problems and he did that every single day."

Arnold reported to TF 55 as deputy commodore in April 2015 and assumed command in May 2016.

"When I took command of DESRON 50 almost a year ago I'd been humbled and privileged," said Arnold. "I also know that I could have not have done this without everyone's help."

Arnold reports next to Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia, as chief of staff.

Patrick, who previously served as deputy commodore, thanked his family for their support during his career and urged his Sailors to think innovatively.

DESRON 50/TF 55 conducts maritime security operations in support of regional security and stability. Its responsibilities include planning and executing a robust regional engagement program with coalition forces from Gulf Cooperation Council nations, Carrier Strike Group 50 and allied surface warfare assets deployed to the Arabian Gulf. Additionally, DESRON 50/ TF 55 exercises administrative responsibility for Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Surface combatants deployed to the Arabian Gulf.

NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.