YOKOSUKA, Japan – Capt. D. Wilson Marks relieved Capt. Richard Dromerhauser at a change of command ceremony for Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific (CNSGWP) Oct. 9, at U.S. Fleet Activity Yokosuka. The ceremony included remarks from guest speaker Vice Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet.
“Captain Dromerhauser built this command from the ground up following a refocus on surface ship readiness,” said Sawyer “Rich embodies competence and character and his care and concern for Sailors has always been a hallmark of his leadership. His personal engagement with the ships, Sailors, and staffs will have lasting positive impacts to our surface combatants in the Western Pacific.”
Dromerhauser, a native of Bay Shore, New York has commanded at all levels both at sea and ashore; USS TEMPEST (PC 2), USS FITZGERALD (DDG 62), Navy Personnel Command Staff, the multinational Task Force conducting the 2014 maritime destruction of chemical agents from the Syrian Arab Republic, and Destroyer Squadron 60/Task Force 65. Since September 2017, his focus has been to resolve, standardize, and balance FDNF-J maintenance and training throughout the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP) to maintain readiness.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the waterfront. I am grateful for this opportunity to help Sailors,” said Dromerhauser. “What we have accomplished here in the last year is nothing short of remarkable and all made possible by the outstanding men and women of the Surface Group. I have been inspired each and every day by the depth and breadth of their individual experience, expertise, and commitment to readiness.”
In his remarks, Dromerhauser officially welcomed Marks who now becomes the second commanding officer of CNSGWP.
"I’m especially pleased that I am able to pass this command to a leader deeply respected and a friend to me for many years," Dromerhauser said. “Wilson assumes command with the backing of one of the Navy's most competent and determined teams supporting. His at-sea experience and challenging tours make him the right individual to lead this organization into its next chapter of service and excellence."
Marks said he is excited to be at CNSGWP as the new commander and looks forward to carrying on the work started by Dromerhauser.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the important work begun by Captain Dromerhauser and his team,” said Marks. “This command represents a chance to make a very real and substantial difference in maintaining the combat readiness of our Surface Forces that is crucial to meeting the challenges of operating in the Western Pacific. I am honored to be coming aboard at such an important time for our Navy and support the fantastic men and women who serve in it.”
Marks, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994. He holds Masters degrees in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and the National War College. His career includes service aboard six surface combatants and various shore assignments. Most recently he served as Commanding Officer of USS Chancellorsville (CG 62).
Based at Yokosuka, Japan, CNSWGP is Administrative Control and executive agent for maintenance and training of Japan-based Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF-J) surface ships for Commander, Naval Surface Force,