Military Sealift Command's San Diego-based area command, MSC Pacific, welcomed its new leader today as Capt. David Dry assumed command from Capt. Michael Taylor during a ceremony aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

Dry joins the MSC team following a tour of duty as the deputy director, Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course (SOSMRC) at the Surface Warfare Officers School, Newport, Rhode Island.

Since his commissioning through the NROTC program at the University of Missouri, Dry has held a wide variety of assignments that include sea tours on USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Valley Forge (CG 50), USS O'Brien (DD 975) and USS Benfold (DDG 65). He was the commanding officer of USS Gravely (DDG 107) where he deployed to the Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as air defense commander in support of ballistic missile defense operations.

Dry's shore tours include duty on the staff of commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, and deputy chief, J35 (Training Division and Stability Academy) for United States Forces-Iraq Joint Headquarters in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

"The mission of MSC is far reaching across the spectrum of DOD operations. I'm excited to be a part of the MSC team and the numerous operations that MSC performs, all of which are vital to our national security," said Dry. "Ensuring our Navy is prepared and able to conduction prompt and sustained combat operations at-sea is the heart of what MSC does, and I look forward to leading the team of professionals at MSCPAC."

Dry relieves Taylor who, during his two years in command, has overseen a wide range of operations and exercises, including two Operation Deep Freeze resupply missions to Antarctica, the 2014 Rim of the Pacific exercise, and the pre-operational readiness testing of USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), USNS John Glenn (MLP 2) and USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3).

Taylor received the Legion of Merit award for his performance as commander of MSCPAC by Rear Adm. Kevin C. Hayes, deputy commander, MSC.

The event also included the retirement ceremony of Taylor who brings to a close a distinguished 27 year naval career that began in 1988 with his graduation from the NROTC program at San Diego State University, and included command of USS Ford (FFG 54) from 2006-2008.

"My two years at MSC has been the best tour of my career," said Taylor. "I was extremely optimistic about this tour when I accepted the orders to MSCPAC and there hasn't been one day that I was disappointed in my choice. This has been a great two years. I have been a part of some exciting exercises and programs. The rollout of the mobile landing platform and the testing leading up to the MLPs going operational has been one of the highlights of my tour. This has been a great command to complete my Navy service."

MSCPAC is one of five worldwide operational commands that are part of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. MSCPAC is responsible for MSC ships operating in the Eastern Pacific and is dual-hatted as Commander, Task Force 33, directing the underway delivery of fuel, provisions, ordnance and towing services to Navy combatants in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/.