ROTA, Spain –
Cmdr. R. J. DaPrato relieved Cmdr. Jared L. Carlson as the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) during a change of command ceremony in the Bay of Cadiz, May 22, 2026.
During his command, Cmdr. Carlson led the USS Roosevelt through multiple operations and training evolutions, maintaining a high state of readiness and warfighting capability. Under his leadership, the warship underwent successful patrols in the 5th and 6th Fleet Area of Operations where the crew was able to strengthen proficiency across mission areas while upholding the Navy’s standards of excellence at sea.
Carlson, a native of Wahpeton, North Dakota, commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 2008. Assignments afloat include Division Officer tours as Repair Officer in USS Boone (FFG 28), Executive Officer in USS Sirocco (PC 6), and Platoon Cmdr., Riverine Squadron Two. Carlson served as Operations Officer, Weapons Officer, and Combat Systems Officer in USS Stethem (DDG 63) while forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and Executive Officer, USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) forward deployed to Rota, Spain.
Ashore, Carlson served as Director of N7 at Patrol Coast Squadron One, Assistant Officer in Charge of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Detachment, and as Branch Head at Surface Officer Placement at Navy Personnel Command (PERS-41).
“Commanding this warship has been the honor of my life. Her crew has proven, again and again, that when Roosevelt answers the call, she exceeds the standard in every way,” says Carlson. “As I turn over command to Cmdr. DaPrato, I do so with full confidence that this ship’s legacy of toughness, professionalism, and victory at sea will only continue to grow.”
Cmdr. DaPrato, previously Roosevelt’s executive officer, now takes command. His previous assignments include Division Officer tours as Auxiliaries Officer and Navigator in USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), and Department Head tours as Chief Engineer and Combat Systems Officer in USS Porter (DDG 78) forward deployed to Rota, Spain.
Ashore, DaPrato served as a Seamanship and Navigation Instructor at the United States Naval Academy, Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Junior Officer Sea Coordinator and Strategic Communications Officer at Navy Personnel Command (PERS-41), and South and East Africa Branch Chief at the Joint Staff, J5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate.
“Taking command of Roosevelt is an honor and a privilege,” DaPrato remarked. “I am humbled to lead a team defined by their unshakable commitment to our mission. This is a warship ready to fight, win, and lead from the front. I could not be prouder to stand with this crew as we write the next chapter in Roosevelt’s history.”
Roosevelt, named after U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, is one of five U.S. Navy destroyers based in Rota, Spain and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture. These FDNF-E ships have the flexibility to operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain.
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 and security and stability in Europe and Africa.