DESRON 40 Gets New Commander

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr. was the guest speaker for the ceremony, which was held at the Ocean Breeze Conference Center on Naval Station Mayport.

"For the past 24 months, (Snyder) has been the tactical element of United States Naval Forces Southern Command," said Stevenson. "His wealth of knowledge and vast professional expertise and experience has been most valuable in shaping and implementing our theater engagement strategies."

Snyder will become the new commander of Navy Reserve Readiness Command Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla.

Snyder thanked DESRON 40 staff members, and said "Today marks the end of what has been a truly incredible experience for me. I've had the opportunity to be part of more interesting events ashore and afloat than what I ever dreamed I would have coming into the job."

Laco is coming from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), where he served as the Branch Head of the Surface Warfare Strategy and Alignment Branch of OPNAV's Surface Warfare Division.

The new DESRON 40 commander addressed his staff "You really truly can be proud of your accomplishments," said Laco "You certainly are leading the way in executing the Navy's Maritime Strategy, and I look forward to working with you."

As the operational arm of NAVSO, DESRON 40 is tasked with the planning and execution of multi-national and bilateral Naval exercises associated with the Partnership of the Americas (POA) exercise series. Conducted annually, POA emphasizes interoperability and cooperation among South American Partner Nations.