DESRON 15 holds change of command ceremony aboard USS Howard (DDG 83) at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan

by Lt.j.g. Jordyn Diomede

13 August 2026
YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

Capt. Neil Gabriel relieved Capt. David Huljack as commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 during a change of command ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 14, 2026.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as commodore of DESRON 15 and lead some of the Navy’s most battle-tested and capable surface combatants," said Huljack. "Our forward-deployed Sailors have worked tirelessly to enhance maritime dominance and strengthen key alliances and partnerships across this dynamic region. I continue to be inspired by their tenacity and grit as they stand ready to answer the call when challenged by our adversaries.”

During his tour as commodore, Huljack led the successful completion of more than 230 U.S. Pacific Fleet-directed operations, activities, and interests, and supported U.S. and allied surface participation in 57 major international exercises. Additionally, he became the first U.S. Navy commodore in over 100 years to embark and exercise command and control from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) combatant during real-world operations.

For his exceptional performance as commodore, from April 2025 to August 2026, Huljack was awarded the Legion of Merit. In a separate ceremony, he was presented with Japan’s Defense Cooperation Medal by Vice Adm. Izuru Ikeuchi, Commander, Fleet Surface Force, JMSDF, in honor and recognition of his service toward furthering the U.S.-Japanese alliance in the maritime domain. This award represents the highest honor granted by Japan to foreign military members.

For his next duty assignment, Huljack will report to Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet as director, maritime operations center.

The DESRON 15 staff supports Carrier Strike Group 5 and Commander, Task Force 70 embarked on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

Gabriel served as DESRON 15’s deputy commodore prior to assuming command.

"I’m excited to continue building upon the DESRON 15 legacy as commodore,” he said. “While the mission continues to evolve, our warfighters remain dedicated and committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will continue to foster peace through strength, ensuring our forces in the region are ready and capable to deter aggression as a professional maritime force. It is a privilege to assume command and lead this incredible team of champions.”

DESRON 15 is responsible for the readiness, tactical, and administrative responsibilities for nine forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS John Finn (DDG 113), USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), and USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.