Cmdr. Meger Chappell relieved Cmdr. Jason Reller as the commanding officer of guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, March 4.

After serving as Roosevelt's executive officer, Reller assumed command in June 2014. During his tour as commanding officer, he successfully completed their 2014 deployment, oversaw the post-deployment maintenance availability and the Basic Phase of training, then finished his tour with the 2016 Board of Inspection and Survey assessment.

"I am honored to have served as Roosevelt's commanding officer during this busy time and to have led the finest Sailors in our Navy," said Reller. "They are the real reason for Roosevelt's successes."

Reller will next serve as the future operations officer to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

In front of an audience of 200 Sailors, family, and friends of the command, guest speaker Capt. Glenn Kuffel, commodore, Commander, Naval Surface Squadron 14, welcomed Chappell, and praised Reller for his successful tour onboard Roosevelt.

"I had the pleasure to work with Roosevelt during the DESRON 26 Group Sail in the fall of last year," said Kuffel. "They performed exceptionally well, as evidenced by their recent awarding of the 2015 Battle Effectiveness Award."

Chappell, who joined the Roosevelt crew as executive officer in 2014, said he was excited to have the opportunity to lead Roosevelt's Sailors as they prepare for deployment this summer.

"I'm honored to assume command of Roosevelt and its phenomenal group of Sailors," said Chappell. "I thank Cmdr. Reller for his superb leadership as both executive officer and commanding officer. He turned over an outstanding ship that is ready to deploy and execute its mission."

Chappell has also completed sea tours aboard USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968), USS Carr (FFG 52), USS Elrod (FFG 55), and with DESRON 28, deployed onboard USS Eisenhower (CVN 69). His shore assignments include Afloat Training Group Norfolk, as a First Tour Department Head detailer in PERS 41, and as an Afloat Programs Department Head at the Navy Manpower Analysis Center. He holds a Master of Science in management from Troy University and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from the Navy War College.

Roosevelt is preparing for a 2016 deployment with the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group.

For more Roosevelt news, visit www.ddg-roosevelt.navy.mil.