By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Cmdr. Desmond Walker, a native of Hollandale, Mississippi, relieved Capt. Scott Rosetti as commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer, USS Stout (DDG 55), during a change of command ceremony recently held at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Cmdr. Desmond Walker, commanding officer of USS Stout (DDG 55)

"To the Officers and Sailors of USS Stout, I am humbled and honored to be your Captain," said Walker, as he assumed command. "I am proud of you. I am proud to lead you. Courage, Valor, Integrity... let's work."

Walker, a 1996 graduate of Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi, joined the Navy 27 years ago.

"I joined the Navy to see the world," said Walker. "The Navy provided opportunities to expand my horizons while learning what I wanted out of life."

Walker graduated from Norfolk State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Technology where he was commissioned through the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 program. Additionally, Walker graduated from Old Dominion University in 2012 with a Master of Science in Engineering Management and from Central Michigan University in 2020 with a Master of Business Administration. Walker also completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I in 2015.

Today, Walker relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hollandale to succeed in the military.

"A lesson I learned growing up was definitely work ethic and resolve," said Walker. "Growing up in Mississippi, things did not come as easily as they do in other parts of America. So, I tried to treat every opportunity with respect and valued them in a way that ensured I didn't waste them. I believed this also informed my high regard for personal accountability. I believe that it is important to, first, be able to do anything I would ask someone else to do something. Then, leading by example, I'm able to get the most out of any team, whether I'm overall responsible for the outcome or simply a willing teammate."

These lessons have helped Walker while serving in the Navy.

USS Stout is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard Stout. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.

"Becoming the commanding officer of a ship is the chance to work with some of the best talent our nation has to offer," said Walker. "Sailors and officers of different backgrounds, across generations, coming together for a common goal...support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. against enemies foreign and domestic. And, through that journey, helping others become the best version of themselves."

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."

Serving in the Navy means Walker is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

"The Navy contributes to our national defense through its ability to cover practically the globe and with the ability to respond to the call of service, in defense of our allies and partners or to protect our own national interests," said Walker.

Walker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

"Hand-picked to assume command of USS Stout is my proudest accomplishment in the Navy to date," said Walker. "The Officers and Sailors of this mighty warship are preparing for the call to help America maintain its maritime dominance and I'm humbled and honored to lead them, even if into harm's way."

As Walker and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

"I have the opportunity to be an example of leadership for the officers and sailors that are coming up the ranks behind me," added Walker. "I did not see a lot of black officers when I was enlisted, but I believed it was possible. Now, as a senior officer, I’m in a position to help anyone, regardless of their demographic, become the best version of themselves as part of the world’s greatest Navy."

Walker's sea duty assignments include Well Deck and Small Boats Division Officer and Assistant Training Officer aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5), Reactor Laboratories Division Officer aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Operations Officer on USS Carney (DDG 64), and Chemistry/Radiological Controls Assistant aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Most recently, Walker served as executive officer of the USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

His decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), and various unit awards and citations. Additionally, Walker received the Career Achievement in Government Award at the 36lll Black Engineer of the Year Awards STEM Conference in February 2022.

See links below for additional photos

https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/53074498383/in/dateposted/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/53074509458/in/dateposted/