NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy –
Capt. Jeremy Carlson relieved Capt. Mike Dwan as commander of Task Force (CTF 64), and Tomahawk Strike and Fires (N32) Director in a ceremony presided over by Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, Aug. 14, 2025.
The ceremony was held on Naval Support Activity Naples, the headquarters of CTF 64. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Anderson spoke at length on Dwan’s efforts and effectiveness leading CTF 64 and N32, and welcomed Capt. Carlson to the U.S. 6th Fleet team.
“Under Capt. Dwan’s leadership, CTF 64 and N32 have continued a proud legacy of deterring aggression and protecting the freedom of the seas,” said Vice Adm. Anderson. “There could not have been a better leader to guide this team through such a dynamic and challenging period. His expertise, calm under pressure, and steadfast commitment to the mission have been tested repeatedly, and he has exceeded every expectation.”
Dwan led CTF 64 and N32 in conducting sustained operations for numerous Fleet and multi-national exercises, as well as combat operations. Of significant note, he and his team conducted ballistic missile defense (BMD) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea; oversaw the transfer of Aegis Ashore Missile Defence System (AAMDS) in Redzikowo, Poland, to NATO; and spearheaded the premier live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise in Europe, Formidable Shield, involving a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, aircraft, and ground forces working across battle spaces to deliver effects.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead one of the finest team’s in the fleet,” said Dwan. “You are the Sword and Shield of both the Fleet and NATO Alliance, during one of the most dynamic periods of time this theater has seen in a century. I leave knowing you’re an agile and capable fighting force, and that you’re led by a commander who will build upon our shared values of excellence, professionalism, and proven combat capability.”
Carlson, assuming command following a tour as Chief of Staff for commander, Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, enlisted in the Navy in 1999 as an Aegis fire controlman, and commissioned in 2001. During his time at Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, he led the merger of Task Force 76 and 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade into Task Force 76/3, implementing the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of Marine Corps vision of naval integration.
“To the warriors of Task Force 64 — it is the honor of my career to stand before you as your Commander,” said Carlson. “Let’s continue to build on this legacy together. Let’s lead with strength and humility, and let’s never forget: the standard is victory.”
CTF 64 executes operational and tactical integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), including mission planning, execution, and operational and tactical control of assigned units for commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. CTF 64 also provides direct support for Aegis ballistic missile defense planning to commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and commander, Allied Air Command.
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.