ROTA, Spain –
Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68 held a change of command onboard Naval Station Rota, Sept. 25, 2024.
Capt. Jeremy Wheat relieved Capt. Geoffrey Townsend as the commodore of CTF 68 Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Europe-Africa during a ceremony Wednesday morning.
"The task force is made up of the staff but the heart of it is the Sailors that make up the task groups," said Townsend, thanking his team for their numerous contributions to the mission in the region. "It’s truly about the Sailors and I’ve been blessed with fourteen different commanding officers throughout the task groups and they have always put their Sailors first."
Over the course of his tenure, Townsend led 4,300 Sailors and Marines operating in 48 countries across Europe and Africa, advancing NATO and regional partnerships, ensuring stability and reinforcing the alliance to counter theater competitors.
Rear Adm. Bradley J. Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, provided the keynote remarks for the ceremony.
"Today’s ceremony highlights the command transition of responsibility, accountability and authority, but is also highlights something a bit more, our culture in the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force, a proud history and heritage in our team of Sailors forward deployed to Europe and the standard we value most in our teams – great discipline," said Andros. “This discipline, which we readily accept, is critical to our mission.”
Andros also noted the significant achievements made during Townsend’s tenure, particularly the team's response to the expeditionary salvage and recovery of three aircraft recovery missions as well as advancing partnerships with NATO Allies and partners in the region.
“You should be incredibly proud of the culture you instilled amongst your ranks when it comes to warfighting readiness and employing forces in remote, complex and austere environments,” said Andros. “It’s clear you and your team were committed to advancing partnerships across Europe and Africa and executing operations that exceeded mission requirements every day.”
Townsend assumed command of CTF 68 in April 2022. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his accomplishments during his tenure at CTF 68. Townsend's next assignment will be supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington D.C.
In his closing remarks, Townsend imparted some words of encouragement to his relief, Capt. Wheat.
"I couldn’t think of a better person to turn over with, he’s a friend I’ve had for over twenty years both in and out of the explosive ordnance disposal community," said Townsend. “I know you will carry us forward.”
Wheat, who reported to CTF 68 after his previous job at U.S. European Command, assumed command and made his first remarks as the new Commodore emphasizing the importance of family, leadership, and crew.
“To the Task Force 68 team, thank you for welcoming me and the excellent turnover,” said Wheat. “It is evident the high standard you hold yourselves to, and look forward to working alongside you.”
CTF 68 is a part of the U.S. 6th Fleet and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces, in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provides expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.