SOUDA BAY, Greece –
Cmdr. John D. John relieved Cmdr. David Coles as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship, Jan. 28th, 2020.
As commanding officer, Coles successfully led USS Ross on three multi-mission forward-deployed naval forces patrols throughout the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional and national security interests. His tenure included numerous certifications, exercises, and multinational operations, including a successful Board of Inspection and Survey Review and serving as air defense commander for Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Coles has been in command of Ross since Sept. 25, 2018. Prior to taking command of Ross, Coles served as the ship’s executive officer.
“Cmdr. Coles’ tactical expertise, prudent seamanship, and remarkable leadership have made Ross undoubtedly combat ready and deservingly well-known throughout not only the fleet, but the world,” said John. “It is an honor and a privilege to lead such an extraordinary team of warriors as we embark on this next phase of our patrol.”
Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
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.