USS Truxtun Holds Change of Command

DeBlock took command of USS Truxtun on Nov. 2019 as the ship’s ninth commanding officer.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve with this crew. Their performance has been nothing short of phenomenal during the past year and a half. Despite COVID-19 they remained resilient, self-sufficient, and executed every tasking with superb results,” he said.

During his tenure, DeBlock led USS Truxtun through a six-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group Ten. While deployed, he and his crew performed maritime security operations transiting over 50,000 nautical miles across 2nd, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of operations, completing 16 chokepoint transits, three national tasking assignments, and integrated carrier operations.

DeBlock read his orders while being relieved by Horning, announcing that he will become the next Reactor Officer onboard USS George W. Bush (CVN 77).

“Twenty eight years ago, I would have never imagined standing here taking command of this mighty warship and leading her superior crew,” said Horning.

“I am humbled and honored, but also very thankful. Getting to this point takes a team and a great support network of family, friends, mentors and leaders.”

Horning enlisted in the Navy on January 19, 1993 as an Electronics Technician. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 2002 and commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral Program. His previous assignments include USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. On his most recent sea tour he returned to Leyte Gulf (CG 55) as Executive Officer from August 2017 to March 2019.