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Destroyer Squadron 26 Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090612-01
Release Date: 6/12/2009 7:25:00 AM

By Lt. Christopher R. Shrank, Destroyer Squadron 26 Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 changed hands in a ceremony aboard USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) at Naval Station Norfolk June 9.

Capt. Michael A. Strano relinquished command of DESRON 26 to Capt. Robert C. Barwis marking the forty-fourth time the DESRON has changed hands since its establishment in January 1952.

Strano reported to DESRON 26 from the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he was the senior military assistant to the under secretary of defense (comptroller and chief financial officer). Strano is from Hammonton, N.J., and is a 1984 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He has commanded USS Oriole (MHC 55) and USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49).

In addition to the ships he has commanded, he served in USS Farragut (DDG 37), USS Spruance (DD 963) and USS Wasp (LHD 1). Ashore, he has served in the Bureau of Naval Personnel and the secretary of the Navy's staff. He graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., with a masters degree in management; the U.S. Army War College with a masters degree in national strategic studies, the National Security Fellows Seminar XXI program from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the National Security Studies Program at George Washington University.

Strano assumed command of DESRON 26 Jan. 29, 2008 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) while on a seven-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf. He also assumed command of Coalition Task Group 152.0 responsible for maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf. In this capacity, 1,021 approach and assist visits were conducted by the ships assigned to the task group during the deployment.

While on deployment, DESRON 26 conducted several multi-lateral and bi-lateral exercises to include Iron Siren, Indigo Serpent, Arabian Shark and Goalkeeper II. In addition, DESRON 26 conducted passing exercises with a number of other navies in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of operations.

While in the Gulf, the staff split itself into three parts, and one of those parts worked ashore in the Kingdom Bahrain for Brigadier General Al Mansoori, the Bahraini chief of naval operations (CNO) who assumed the duties of CTF 152.

"Working for the Bahraini CNO gave us a unique perspective on different views on how to get the same things accomplished," said Strano. "We built a close trust and confidence in each other's abilities and built friendships to last a lifetime. It was a great experience for me and everyone on my staff."

Barwis reports to DESRON 26 from duty as a branch head in OPNAV 81 in the Pentagon. His at-sea tours have included command of USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and as executive officer of USS Porter (DDG 78). In addition, he's served on USS Kidd (DDG 993), USS William H. Standley (CG 32) and USS Independence (CV 62).

From Quakerstown, Pa., he is a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Barwis graduated from George Washington University with a masters degree in engineering management and a masters degree in national security and policy from the National War College.

For more news from the surface force, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant.