Cmdr. Jeremiah Chase relieved Cmdr. Adam Stein, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as commanding officer of USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) during a change of command ceremony held today, at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
The crew of the guided-missile destroyer welcomed a new commander as they prepare for another period of underway operations. The warship recently returned from a surge deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Operations to help encourage stability in the Middle East and remains in the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan.
Stein assumed command of Delbert D. Black in October 2022, amid the destroyer’s maiden deployment to the Middle East to help ensure maritime security and stability.
“Our Sailors and their families have given so much to allow us to answer the nation’s call; they are the ones we need to celebrate,” said Stein. “This warship was at sea or away from home for 344 days during my command tour alone, yet they continue to demonstrate inspiring resilience and determination to get the job done well.”
Stein is now slated to join the Surface Warfare Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (N96). His relief assumes command after previously serving as Delbert D. Black’s executive officer.
“I am honored and humbled to be the next commanding officer of USS Delbert D. Black and will continue to build on the culture of empowerment and operational excellence that Cmdr. Stein leaves behind,” said Chase. “I am confident that every Trailblazer will continue to uphold the legacy of the former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Delbert D. Black and carry out our mission with excellence, determination, integrity, and pride.”
DDG 119 is an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer named for the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Navy’s most senior enlisted rank. Black is known as a trailblazer for earning a seat at the table among the admirals, establishing numerous Sailor qualify of life reforms and improving senior enlisted leadership representation Navy wide.
The ship has operated in support of U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th fleets on two deployments since commissioning in Port Canaveral, Florida, in September 2020.
