DESRON 21 Welcomes New Commander

by Lt. Angie Quintanilla, Destroyer Squadron 21 Public Affairs

12 September 2019 The “Rampant Lions” of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 performed a change of command ceremony aboard USS Stockdale (DDG 106) at Naval Base San Diego Sept. 12.

Capt. Dan Cobian relieved Capt. Murzban F. Morris of his duties as DESRON 21 commander during the ceremony.

Morris, who served as deputy commodore prior to assuming command as DESRON 21 commodore in May 2019, will next report to Undersea Warfare Development Center in San Diego.

“It truly has been an honor serving with the exceptional Sailors on the staff and on each of our ships in DESRON 21,” Morris said. “I am extremely proud of each of our ships individually, as well as the entire squadron overall. Regardless of the tasking or requirement, the staff and ships worked together to perform above standards. They all truly embody the characteristics of leaning forward to resolve issues while always taking care of each other.”

Prior to reporting to DESRON 21, at sea Capt. Morris commanded of the frigates USS McClusky (FFG 41) and USS Taylor (FFG 50), as well as multiple other sea details in Hawaii, San Diego, Japan, Italy and Florida. Ashore he has served on the staffs of Commander Naval Surface Forces and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, a Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal and numerous other individual and unit awards.

Capt. Cobian has served as deputy commodore since April 2018. He is a native of San Diego and enlisted in the Navy in 1988 as an electronics technician. He was commissioned via the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program. His sea tours include USS Haddock (SSN 621), USS Ford Fisher (LSD 40), USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Stethem (DDG 63), and USS Spruance (DDG 111). His personal awards include four Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, and four Navy Achievement Medals.

DESRON 21 is the Sea Combat Commander (SCC) for Carrier Strike Group 3 and is responsible for operational commitment, material readiness and the man/train/equipment of six Arleigh Burke Class destroyers.