USS Stockdale (DDG 106) Change of Command

by Ensign Evan Burgoon

17 July 2026
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Carissa Moore relieved U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jacob Beckelhymer as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) in a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base Point Loma Annex on July 17, 2026.

During his tour, Beckelhymer led the Stockdale crew through multiple high-tempo operations, including a patrol of U.S. 3rd Fleet in support of Operation Southern Guard and an eight-month surge deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 4th, and 6th Fleets participating in Operations Southern Spear and Absolute Resolve. He successfully led the ship and crew from a demanding operational cycle into its scheduled maintenance phase, ensuring the ship's long-term readiness.

Beckelhymer credited the crew for the command's success during his tenure.
“Stockdale isn’t a ship,” said Beckelhymer, after signaling to his crew to gather around him. “It’s these men and women right here. You could take any of these derelict diesel fishing boats out here, put this crew on them, and we’d go into harm’s way producing the exact same results.”

Beckelhymer is slated to take over as Director of Firefighting and Damage Control at Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC), San Diego.

Moore served as Stockdale’s executive officer since 2024. After taking command, she expressed gratitude for the crew’s efforts.

“Thank you to everyone for giving it their all each and every day,” said Moore. “And as long as we keep showing up for Stockdale, we’ll take care of the business that needs to get done.”

A native of McConnelsville, Ohio, Moore graduated from Bethany College before earning her commission in 2008. She began her surface warfare career aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82), as the anti-submarine warfare officer and navigator. As a department head, she served as both weapons officer and combat systems officer aboard USS Spruance (DDG 111). Her shore assignments include tours at SWSC, Navy Personnel Command and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine.

USS Stockdale is named in honor of Vice Adm. James Stockdale, a Naval Academy graduate and one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the U.S. Navy. Stockdale endured more than seven years of captivity as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The ship's mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea in support of U.S. national interests.