Destroyer Squadron Two Three Holds Change of Command

by Lt. Julia Doggett

19 February 2026
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES 

Capt. Ryan Leary turned over as Commander, Destroyer Squadron Two Three (COMDESRON 23) with Capt. Scott Wilbur during a change of command ceremony held on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), February 20.

Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and praised the achievements of DESRON 23 and its components under Leary’s leadership.

“The strength of our Navy lies in leaders who prepare their commands for the fight every single day. It is my honor to recognize the accomplishments of Captain Leary and welcome Captain Wilbur,” said Marks. “Today, DESRON 23 reinforces the legacy of relentless force and relentless focus on warfighting readiness—a commitment that has been masterfully upheld by Captain Leary.”

During the ceremony, Marks presented Leary the Legion of Merit for his outstanding performance since taking over as DESRON 23’s commodore September 2024.

“As I complete this command tour and my naval career, I would like to reaffirm how incredibly grateful I am,” said Leary. “The nature of this work is tremendously demanding in many ways and I am most thankful for getting to see all the ways that people work together and support each other to accomplish so many things that seem unachievable.”

As Deputy Commodore, Leary commanded the destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) as the ship completed Exercise Milan India with over 30 participating countries. Additionally, he led the Halsey team during Exercise Tiger Triumph, the United States’ largest bilateral exercise with India. While in command of USS Cole (DDG 67), the ship completed over one month of operations in the Red Sea, including a transit of the Suez Canal. Under Leary’s leadership, the crew of Cole then conducted Ballistic Missile Defense operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, providing critical defense of allies in the region.

As Commodore, Leary stood up the first training curriculum for tactical destroyer squadrons on the West Coast. He ensured that his staff completed daily tactical training sessions and weekly training scenarios at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) to maintain and sharpen the team’s capabilities. Leary was a key participant in the Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific (SURFPAC) and SMWDC-led operational planning team to determine the required training pipeline for destroyer squadron staffs, ensuring future DESRON teams will be properly trained for deployment.

Leary is a native of Jamestown, Penn. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Program. In addition to his previous role as the Deputy Commodore of DESRON 23, Leary also served as the Director of Operations at U.S Seventh Fleet and commanded USS Mustin (DDG 89). Leary is retiring, with 24 years of service.

Wilbur is a native of Cape Cod, Mass. and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2001. He previously served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer on USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during the ship’s extended maintenance period and re-integration to the Fleet. He also served as the Operations Officer at Carrier Strike Group Eleven. His deployments include Pacific, Southern, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

“It is an honor to assume command of Destroyer Squadron 23 today,” said Wilbur, while addressing the squadron for the first time as commodore. “I look forward to building on the success and culture of excellence that Captain Leary has built.”

Carrier Strike Group 9 is composed of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, DESRON 23 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65).

CSG 9 provides a combat-ready force to protect and defend the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its global allies and partners. They are based in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

For more news from COMDESRON 23, please visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Media/News/Tag/191640/cds-23-latest-news/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMNAVSURFPAC