USS Ross Holds Change of Command Ceremony
21 November 2022
Naval Station Norfolk -- NORFOLK, VIRGINA – Cmdr. Walter Brinkley relieved Cmdr. Scott Jones as Commanding Officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk on November 18, 2022. Cmdr. Jones has been in command of Ross since July 2021. Jones led Ross on one patrol supporting French Carrier Strike Group operations, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Noble Shield. This patrol was a part of a surge deployment to the Baltic as a Forward Deployed Naval Force Europe ship; conducting Ballistic Missile Defense operations on the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. Cmdr. Jones finished his tour by bringing Ross home to Norfolk, VA and into a scheduled EDSRA.
Quotes:
During his speech Cmdr. Jones concluded his address to the ship by saying, “I truly believe that the USS Ross is the mightiest ship in the fleet. Her wardroom and crew have made her a fine warfighting machine.”
Cmdr. Scott Jones
Upon receipt of command Cmdr. Brinkley stated, “I am honored and humbled to assume command of such an accomplished warship and incredible crew. I look forward to the many opportunities we have ahead to continue our success.”
Cmdr. Walter Brinkley
Commanding Officer of USS Ross (DGG 71)
Quick Facts:
• On the last full patrol as the Commanding Officer of the Ross, with Cmdr. Walter Brinkley as Executive Officer., Cmdr. Jones led his crew in successfully completing Patrol 12, Charles de Gaulle and Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Exercises, Operations Inherent Resolve and Noble Shield, Adriatic Sea Operations, Recon-Counter-Recon Aegean Sea Operations, Baltic Sea Operations, and Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group Operations.
• Cmdr. Jones hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the University of South Carolina, and commissioned via NROTC in 2004. He also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialty in Finance from Marquette University.