MSRON THREE Holds Change of Command

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Nathan Laird | 220715-N-AT895-0001 IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (July 15, 2022) Cmdr. Mark E. Gillaspie, incoming commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3, salutes outgoing Commanding Officer Cmdr. Douglas E. Cole, during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, Calif., July 15, 2022. MSRON-3’s mission is to provide high value asset escorts, harbor area defense, embarked and aviation security teams, and when directed conduct combat operations to dominate the littorals and reinforce blue water operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nate Laird)  

IMPERIAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

07.15.2022

Story by Lt.j.g. Michael Buckley 

Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. – Cmdr. Mark E. Gillaspie relieved Cmdr. Douglas E. Cole as commanding officer, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3, during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach, Calif., July 15, 2022.

Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick II served as the keynote speaker where he highlighted MSRON-3's accomplishments under Cole's leadership.

"MSRON-3 stands in a class by themselves," said Chadwick. "No command can reach its true potential unless it has superb leadership at the top, and that's exactly the kind of leader Doug has been."

Cole led a team of more than 400 Sailors during his tenure at MSRON-3, which was from February 2021 to July 2022. His next assignment will be serving as the chief staff officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1.

Gillaspie was selected to be commanding officer after completing a successful tour as MSRON-3’s executive officer.

“It is an honor and privilege today for me to turn over the command of MSRON-3 to a very talented and deserving naval officer, Cmdr. Mark Gillaspie,” said Cole. “I am confident you will be successful in command and will continue to maintain and approve upon the MSRON-3 standard.”

“I am excited and honored to assume command of MSRON-3,” said Gillaspie. “Doug, I really appreciate your time and help to get me transitioned to the expeditionary side of the Navy…best of luck to you and your family going forward.”

MSRON-3’s mission is to provide high-value asset escorts, harbor area defense, embarked, and aviation security teams, and when directed, conduct combat operations to dominate the littorals and reinforce blue water operations.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2022
• Date Posted: 08.01.2022 22:45
• Story ID: 425754
• Location: IMPERIAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, US