Cmdr. Andria Slough relieved Cmdr. Blair Guy as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) commanding officer during a change of command ceremony in Rota, Spain, Jan. 28.

Porter is forward deployed to Naval Station Rota to fulfill the United States' phased commitment to NATO ballistic missile defense while also carrying out a wide range of missions to support the security of Europe.

Quote:
"As I reflect on my experiences over the past couple of years, I am humbled by the hard work and sacrifices made by every member of this crew on a daily basis. The crew's tenacious spirit and motivation in the face of adversity has enabled this ship to reach new levels of professional achievement. It was an honor serving with each of you and I wish you all fair winds and following seas."
- Cmdr. Blair Guy, USN

"It is absolutely an honor and a privilege to stand before you today as the commanding officer of the USS Porter. I look forward to continuing service to 6th Fleet with this crew and combined with Carney, Donald Cook and Ross, this really is an unbeatable team in FDNF Europe. We're ready to answer any call. Freedom's Champion ... fight on!"
- Cmdr. Andria Slough, commanding officer, USS Porter (DDG 78)

"Commander Guy has made the crew of this ship ready and their qualifications show it. You've done a fantastic job and this ship will sail, fight and win because of your excellence."
- Capt. Rich Dromerhauser, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 60; guest speaker for the ceremony

Quick facts:
* Between February 2013 to January 2016, Guy served as the executive officer and then as commanding officer.
o During his 35-month tenure with USS Porter, he was the driving force behind everything from system upgrades to maintenance availabilities to numerous qualifications.
o During the ceremony, Guy was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal.

* After reading their orders, Slough relieved Guy of his duties and responsibilities and became Porter's 12th commanding officer.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.