Capt. Benjamin R. Nicholson relieved Capt. Derek B. Granger as commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (COMDESRON 22) during a change of command ceremony at sea aboard USS Cole (DDG 67), May 8.

Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2 presided over the ceremony.

Before being turning over command, Granger thanked his staff, the supporting crew of Cole, and all Sailors of the ships in DESRON 22 for their unwavering dedication to the Navy's mission.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve both as deputy and commander of Destroyer Squadron 22," said Granger. "I've never worked with a better staff or group of commanding officers and crews, and I'm extremely proud of all they have accomplished. The men and women of DESRON 22 have personified the squadron motto of 'Facta non Verba'...Deeds not words. It is my privilege to leave the squadron in the very capable hands of Capt. Nicholson. In my 26 years of service, I've served with no finer officer and I know he will take the squadron to the next level."

Granger was presented with the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious service as deputy commodore and commodore from July 2014 to May 2017. During Granger's tour, he served as the sea combat commander for the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He commanded the squadron, consisting of more than 1,800 Sailors from the five Norfolk-based guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), and USS Truxtun (DDG 103), since December 2015.

After official orders were read, Nicholson assumed all duties and responsibilities as COMDESRON 22 and addressed his new crew for the first time.

"I am both humbled and honored to be taking command of Destroyer Squadron 22," said Nicholson. "The squadron has a rich and decorated history and I am proud to be following in the footsteps of Commodore Granger and the impressive list of warriors who have led the squadron."

Nicholson is a 1993 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. He completed sea tours aboard USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS O'Bannon (DD 987). He served as commanding officer of MCM Crew SWERVE, rotating to serve as commanding officer of USS Defender (MCM 2), USS Gladiator (MCM 11) and USS Sentry (MCM 3). He has also served as the executive officer and commanding officer of USS Pinckney (DDG 91). He reported to DESRON 22 in January of 2016.

Granger's next assignment is to the staff of Naval Surface Forces Atlantic.

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff; guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Cole (DDG 67), and USS Mahan (DDG 72); and guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).

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