USS Mason Holds Change of Command
22 April 2021
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK --
Cmdr. Stephen Valerio relieved Cmdr. Matthew Erdner as commanding officer of USS Mason (DDG 87) during a Change of Command ceremony held today on the ship’s flight deck, pierside at Naval Station Norfolk.
The ceremony concluded a very successful 18-month command tour for Erdner. Under his command, Mason safely ensured freedom of movement for high value units and challenged adversary operations, setting the Maritime Homeland Defense standard and sending a strategic message of U.S. Naval supremacy. This lead to the Mason crew receiving the 2019 Anti-Submarine Warfare Atlantic Fleet Bloodhound Award. Additionally, he successfully prepared and executed a $146 million Maintenance Availability by leading the maintenance community to resolve issues and properly phase work and systems testing.
Erdner began his career in 2001 when he commissioned through Norwich University’s NROTC Program. After commissioning, he completed early command tours on USS Scout, USS Champion, USS Chief, USS Warrior, and USS Gladiator and participated in several significant operations and multinational exercises. As executive officer aboard Mason, an Arleigh Burke class, guided missile destroyer, he completed deployments to both the 5
th and 6
th Fleet.
At the ceremony, Erdner noted the crew’s resilience and applauded their efforts to ensure mission readiness.
“It has been an amazing three years onboard with this stellar group of Sailors,” he said.
“We have been successful through all stages of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan through this Modernization Availability due to the solid work ethic and drive that have been the cornerstones of this crew. I have been profoundly blessed to have been able to command them and this fine warship over the past 18 months.”
After a tour as the ship’s executive officer, Valerio read his orders, assumed command and addressed the audience as Mason’s commanding officer.
"I had a great tour as the XO onboard Mason and I'm truly humbled to command this exceptionally advanced warship and her highly dedicated and skilled crew, he said."