Capt. Tony L. Simmons relieved Capt. Fred I. Pyle as commander of Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2) during a change of command ceremony held on Naval Station Norfolk, March 7.

Pyle became DESRON 2's 71st commander when he assumed command in June 2014. During his tenure, DESRON 2 successfully prepared, trained and supported their ships for operations impacting three overseas contingency operations. Under Pyle's leadership, DESRON 2 set the Navy standard for all future deployed strike groups.

"It has been a rewarding experience to serve in command of Destroyer Squadron 2," said Pyle. "When I look back at the list of over 70 warriors who have served [as commodore] before, I am reminded of the privilege and immense responsibility of having command."

Pyle will next serve as executive aid to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integration of Capabilities and Resources Vice Adm. Joseph Mulloy in Washington, D.C.

Simmons, formerly DESRON 2's deputy commander, graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, in August 1989, and commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, a year later. His shore duty assignments include Chief of Naval Operations Staff in Surface Warfare Division (N96); Assessment Division (N81); Quadrennial Defense Review and Naval Warfare and Integration Group (N00X); Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-8 Directorate; Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO); and Bureau of Navy Personnel (Pers-41). His assignments at sea include tours on USS Lassen (DDG 82) as commanding officer; USS Chafee (DDG 90) as commissioning executive officer; USS Hurricane (PC 3) as commanding officer; USS Caron (DD 970) as engineer officer; USS Gettysburg (CG 64) as damage control assistant; and USS Manitowoc (LST 1180) as auxiliaries division officer and combat information center officer.

Simmons graduated from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, in March 1997 with a Master of Science in mechanical engineering, and in June 2002 from Air Command and Staff College at Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, with a Master of Arts in military arts and science.

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a high-quality team of sea-going professionals," Simmons told his staff. "My commitment to you is to foster an environment of accountability, integrity, initiative and toughness. Buckle up for a swift and fun ride."

DESRON 2 will oversee the shipyard maintenance periods for their ships before transitioning to an intensive training period in preparation for deployment with the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78) in 2019.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.