PORTLAND, OREGON – Cmdr. David Sandomir relieved Cmdr. Patrick Sullivan as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) during a change of command ceremony, September 9th. Sullivan assumed command of McCampbell on May 3rd, 2019, and will serve his next tour at Indo-Pacific Command.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside the most advanced warfighters in the most challenging operational environment. The crew on board McCampbell has demonstrated unrelenting resiliency and I could not be more proud of everything they have accomplished,” said Sullivan. “I am very appreciative for all of the support for McCampbell and our families during the last three years.”
During his tour, Sullivan commanded McCampbell through rigorous underway periods and advanced mission tasking. While underway, McCampbell completed patrols throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, including the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. Underway highlights also include freedom of navigation operations, Taiwan Straits transits and multi-lateral exercises with partner navies. Additionally, McCampbell recently executed a homeport shift after 13 years of being forward-deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
Sandomir, a native of Tempe, Ariz., entered the Navy in 1999 as an Electronic Warfare Technician. He earned his commission in 2003 through the Auburn University NROTC Unit.
Sandomir previously served as the executive officer on board USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).
“This ship and crew have an exceptional service reputation, and I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to join and serve alongside such an accomplished group of warriors,” Sandomir said. “Today’s environment presents unique challenges and I am confident in the crew’s ability to continue to meet these challenges with the utmost sense of pride and commitment to the trust we are so privileged to keep.”
McCampbell’s namesake honors Navy Capt. David S. McCampbell the Navy’s all-time leading ace with 34 aerial victories during World War II. The ship is currently in Portland, Ore., undergoing midlife modernization. Following routine maintenance and system upgrades, McCampbell will proceed to Naval Station Everett, Wash. where it will be homeported. McCampbell now joins U.S. 3rd Fleet, which leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works consistently with U.S. 7th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.