DAHLGREN, Va. - Both military and civilians guests assembled to wish “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to Stoner and his family as he departed after more than three years in command at SCSTC, and to welcome Kessler as the new commodore. 

Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander, Naval Surface Forces, served as the presiding officer and guest speaker for the event.

“Capt. Stoner, for over three years, you have led this team in implementing systematic changes and bringing much needed modernized training to the fleet,” emphasized Kitchener.  “You commanded at sea and brought that knowledge and expertise to SCSTC and focused on the link between technical and tactical training ensuring our Sailors understand how to bring both skillsets together in the height of chaos, without hesitation, with calm and confidence, to swiftly and precisely act.  As you move on to the Chief of Naval Operations, Surface Warfare Directorate [OPNAV N96] division, be proud of the progress made under your command to deliver virtual, realistic, in-depth and truly impressive training to Sailors around the globe.  You’ve laid the groundwork for SCSTC to evolve with newly emerging technology and changing battlescapes, which is crucial to the success of the Surface Force in the coming decade.”

Stoner, a native of Ansonia, Connecticut, was presented his second Legion of Merit for his numerous accomplishments at SCSTC.  He guided and directed a staff of 2,200 military and civilian personnel in training of 38,000 Sailors annually across the globe and led a domain realignment effort, which included an essential name change that clearly captured the organization’s training mission. He commanded through a global pandemic where he took prudent measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus while minimizing impact to the supply chain and introduction of future warfighters to the fleet.  By developing new, innovated ways of training, Stoner and his team actually graduated more students in 2020 than in 2019!  Under Stoner’s leadership and strategic vision, SCSTC was able to prepare surface warfighters to operate the surface Navy of the future by bringing technical and tactical training for new systems, platforms, and labs as the capabilities were delivered to the fleet. 

“SCSTC is involved in nearly every aspect of surface combat systems training,” Stoner said.  “What we do each day directly impacts the fleet.  It has been both an honor and privilege being part of this global organization. The actions of every service member, government civilian, and contractor here at SCSTC, and across the waterfront, have played a vital role in training surface warfighters to fight and win!”

Stoner also commented on the future of SCSTC under new leadership.

“George, you have the right drive and enthusiasm for this job and I know, under your leadership, SCSTC will continue to improve combat readiness by providing better-trained, better-qualified Sailors to the fight.”

Kessler joins the SCSTC team after serving as the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet Maritime Operations Center director.  His most recent sea tour was commanding officer for USS Antietam (CG 54).

A native of Albany, Missouri, and 1995 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kessler stated he was looking forward to becoming part of SCSTC and continuing to shape the future of surface combat systems training.

“Under Dave’s leadership, SCSTC transformed how we train our surface warfighters,” said Kessler.  “I am honored to continue to build upon the accomplishments of the SCSTC team ensuring our Surface Leaders have the tactical competence and proficiency needed to execute the mission across the spectrum of operations in today’s challenging environment.”