VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Dam Neck Activity (NSWCDD DNA) employees, leaders, family members and friends gathered June 29 for a change of command ceremony to bid farewell to Cmdr. Matthew Erdner and welcome Cmdr. Christina Carino at Naval Air Station Oceana.
Erdner, who came to NSWCDD DNA in April, led the command during a period of transition between commanding officers and said serving as acting commanding officer of NSWCDD DNA gave him valuable insight into how warfare centers work.
“I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to come to NSWCDD DNA—this is such a great command,” Erdner said. “Through nearly 60 years and many name changes and CO changes, NSWCDD DNA has remained a cornerstone of advancement and innovation that has allowed the United States Navy to be and remain the best Navy in the World. Dam Neck Activity plays a vital role in developing, fielding, maintaining and modernizing the crucial systems on our ships, submarines and aircraft, and for our Special Forces personnel.”
Prior to assuming command of NSWCDD DNA, Erdner served as Water Front Operations Division head for LSD and LPD Class amphibious warships at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk. He was recently selected for promotion to captain and will return to MARMC while he awaits his next assignment.
“The NSWCDD DNA workforce is second to none. You show up every day and give your very best to our Sailors, our Navy and this mission,” he said. “The work you do will continue to enable our fleet to be ready when the Nation calls. I am truly proud to call you all my shipmates, and I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.”
Capt. Philip Mlynarski, NSWCDD commanding officer, officiated the ceremony and provided opening remarks.
“As we say goodbye to Cmdr. Erdner and hello to Cmdr Carino, we recognize the formal passing of the torch, signal a new beginning and honor the past,” Mlynarski said. “NSWCDD DNA is at the heart of the largest fleet concentration area in the world, and because of that at the center of helping Dahlgren Division deliver lethality to the warfighter and ultimately bring the warfighter home safely.”
Carino comes to NSWCDD DNA from the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Ships in Washington, D.C., where she served as director of Electronic Warfare, Above Water Sensors and Combat Systems portfolios.
“I have had a few opportunities to visit Dam Neck over the course of my career, and I am honored and humbled at the capacity in which I return to Dam Neck today,” Carino said. “Our country needs our fleet. Dam Neck [Activity] is key to the nation’s success as we aid the fleet in organizing to answer the nation’s call and prepare them with arms sufficient beyond doubt. I am excited to lead you and stand at the ready by your side.”