Military

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Gains DESRON

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060315-13
Release Date: 3/15/2006 12:07:00 PM

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) has increased its flexibility and operational strength with the addition of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 to its assigned units.

Formerly known as Destroyer Squadron 6 and based in Pascagoula, Miss., DESRON 40 has relocated to Mayport. The squadron’s new command structure better reflects its mission as the tactical destroyer squadron for NAVSO.

“This DESRON staff is one of the most important contributors to naval operations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,” said NAVSO Commander, Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. “Aligning the squadron enhances our ability to direct U.S. naval forces in the region and strengthen relationships with partner nation navies throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.”

DESRON 40 provides dedicated support to operations in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, and acts as the U.S. Navy’s Executive Agent for combating and countering narco-terrorism and the development of tactics and procedures to assist in the war on drugs.

The move in part resulted from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Pascagoula area. It was made official March 7 by a letter from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

“I see terrific opportunities for the squadron and staff as we transition to the Mayport Navy community,” said, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40, Capt. Dave Costa. “Jacksonville and Mayport are fantastic Navy towns with a lot of support and programs that will benefit our Sailors. I’m sure as our families begin to discover all that is available to them, they will be even more excited about the change and the new opportunities that await.”

NAVSO is the naval component command for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Its mission is to direct U.S. naval forces operating in the region and interact with Caribbean, Central and South American navies to shape the maritime environment.

For more information on U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, go to www.cusns.navy.mil/. For more information on Destroyer Squadron 40, go to www.cnsl.spear.navy.mil/cds6/.