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DESRON 31 Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080108-03
Release Date: 1/8/2008 12:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Capt. Robert B. Stewart, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31 was relieved by Capt. William Kearns III during a change of command ceremony Jan. 4 held on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

"I've been extremely blessed to command this squad and I will cherish the days spent with all these ships and Sailors," said Stewart. "I couldn't think of someone better to turn over to, he [Kearns] will do things with this squadron I could only dream of."

Stewart assumed command of DESRON 31 in April 2007. Under his command, DESRON 31 participated in the 2007 Peleliu Pacific Partnership (P3) humanitarian assistance deployment, providing assistance to six southeastern Asian countries in need.

"P3 was an excellent deployment," said Stewart. "I owe the Sailors involved more than they could ever imagine for what they did."

Rear Adm. T.G. Alexander, commander, Navy Region Hawaii, commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, was on hand at the event to thank Stewart for his leadership and formally recognize him for his accomplishments as commodore, DESRON 31.

"Your leadership and hard work, combined with the untiring efforts of your staff, has made a lasting contribution to every ship and Sailor with whom you have served," said Alexander.

During the ceremony, Alexander presented Stewart with the Legion of Merit. Stewart received the award for the squadron's operational achievement and mission success.

Stewart will be reporting to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) as the deputy director of operations.

Kearns, who is reporting from Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, where he served as special assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, takes command of Sailors and DoD employees whose mission is to direct oversight of the training, maintenance and readiness of the Pearl Harbor-based ships Crommelin, USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Reuben James (FFG 57), USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Hopper (DDG 70).

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.