Destroyer Squadron

Two holds change of command

ByEnsignMackenzieCulver

Carrier Strike Group 12

NORFOLK Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 held a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS GeraldR.Ford(CVN78)onFeb.17

In ceremony, DESRON 2 bid farewell to Capt.StefanWalchandwelcomedCapt.Mac Harkinasthe78thDESRON2Commodore.

“It has been my honor to serve with the Greyhounds of DESRON 2, as one of the Navy’s oldest Destroyer Squadrons has embarked the Navy’s next generation Carrier.”saidWalch.“Wesupportedthefirst deployment of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), maritime homeland defense, Theater Anti-SubmarineWarfare,numerousSubmarine Commander’s Courses and overseas exercisesincludingJointWarriorandStrike Warrior Nowourcertificationshavebegun with Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training, Naval Undersea Warfare Tactical

TrainingCourseandcontinueddeployment workups The Greyhounds train for high end warfighting and the staff and squadron of ships continue to embody the motto of ‘SecondtoNone’

Walch assumed command of DESRON 2 inDecember2021.Whileincommandheled eightdestroyersthroughallphasesofreadiness,fromshipyardmaintenanceperiodsto operationsthroughouttheNorthAtlantic

During the ceremony Walch was presented with the Legion of Merit for exceptionallymeritoriousperformanceand serviceasCommodore Followingtheaward presentation, Walch and Harkin officially changedcommandbyreadingtheirorders.

Harkin fleeted-up from his position as Deputy Commodore, DESRON 2. His previous command assignments include Commanding Officer of ATG Norfolk, USS Bulkeley(DDG-84),PCCrewBravoonboard USS Tempest (PC-2) USS Sirocco (PC-6), andUSSHurricane(PC-3).