SAN DIEGO, CA – Cmdr. Jeffery Murawski relieved Cmdr. Chad Trubilla as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony aboard of the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Nov. 17.
Trubilla, a Pennsylvania native, has served as commanding officer since July 2019. During his command, Rafael Peralta completed basic phase certifications and executed the ship’s maiden deployment. While deployed to the Indo-Pacific, the crew affectionately known as the “Lava Dogs” in a tribute to her U.S. Marine Corps heritage, enforced United Nations sanctions vis-à-vis North Korea, provided ballistic missile defense to Japan and Guam, and engaged in a combined exercise alongside regional allies, partners, and friends.
“I am incredibly proud to have served alongside this team of officers and Sailors,” said Trubilla. “Our team has been through a lot, but we overcame every challenge when we took the field. We not only beat the competition on every play but won every game and lived the mantra of ‘Be the Best!’ every single day!”
Trubilla’s next duty assignment is the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC).
Cmdr. Jeffery Murawski most recently served as Rafael Peralta’s executive officer.
“I could not be more proud of what the Lava Dogs have accomplished over the last year and am truly humbled to lead this great team,” said Murawski. “The crew performed exceptionally well during the ship’s maiden deployment and inspection and survey (INSURV) and continues to uphold the incredible legacy of Sergeant Rafael Peralta and his family.”
Murawski’s previous sea assignments include commanding officer of USS Vicksburg (CG 69), commanding officer of USS Sentry (MCM 3), and commanding officer of USS Ardent (MCM 12).
Ashore, he served as flag lieutenant for Deputy, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command.
Commissioned in 2017, the ship is named in honor of Marine Corp Sgt. Rafael Peralta. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for actions during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Peralta is credited with saving the lives of fellow Marines during the second battle of Fallujah in 2004.