COMDESRON 60 Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120803-11
8/3/2012

By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 60 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Aug. 3.

During the ceremony, Capt. Dan Shaffer turned over command of the squadron to his deputy commander, Capt. John Esposito.

Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke highly of Capt. Shaffer's accomplishments and leadership as COMDESRON 60.

"To be an effective leader at this level requires a combination which is hard to find and takes a lifetime to develop," said Pandolfe. "Unflinching technical standards, peerless professional knowledge, and I think most importantly a deep empathy and respect for those you lead and their families."

Shaffer then thanked his crew who had worked so hard to accomplish the mission of DESRON 60 during his tour.

"I'd like to thank the Sailors of DESRON 60 for doing all the things that lead us to where we are," said Shaffer. "I have been extremely fortunate to have a front-row seat to the greatest show in Europe and Africa over the last 24 months and for that I am very thankful."

Shaffer thanked Esposito for his service as deputy commander of DESRON 60, and wished him well in the future as he turned over command. Esposito then addressed the guests and expressed his gratitude to the crew of COMDESRON 60.

"I'd also like to thank the COMDESRON staff for their hard work and their attention to detail as they put together this ceremony to make this a fitting farewell to Capt. Shaffer," said Esposito. "I'd like to thank Capt. Shaffer for his counsel and mentorship, and how he fundamentally changed COMDESRON 60 from a one-track organization to one that is routinely tasked to plan region-wide operations."

Shaffer will serve as the executive assistant to commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; and commander, Allied Joint Forces Command-Naples.

COMDESRON 60 is headquartered in Naples, Italy, and oversees U.S. 6th Fleet surface operations in the Mediterranean and throughout Europe and Africa.