SINGAPORE (Oct. 28, 2022) — U.S. Naval Academy alumnus, Capt. Samuel F. de Castro, ’96, commodore of Military Sealift Command Far East, wrapped up his major command tour, during a ceremony in Singapore, Oct. 28, officiated by USNA classmate, Capt. Frank Okata, commanding officer of Singapore Area Coordinator and former commodore of Task Force 63 and MSC Europe and Africa.

“I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to have served with all of the ships and crews throughout MSC Far East,” de Castro said during the change-of-command ceremony. “I leave this command with a deep appreciation for our civil-service and contracted mariner workforce, which I believe is the best in the world.

“Your can-do attitude, commitment to the mission, dedication and professionalism are eye watering. I thank you for all you have done. I appreciate the sacrifices you have made and challenges you’ve overcome, which allowed our naval forces to operate and never miss a mission.

“Many thanks to you and your families and loved ones who have also made sacrifices and endured long absences.”

The active-duty and civilian personnel and civil service and contracted mariners de Castro led during the last two years provide support to all U.S. Transportation Command and MSC ships, and on many occasions, crews of partners and Allies, operating throughout the U.S. 7th Area of Operations. The Buffalo, New York, native says that whether through port operations; manning, training, or equipping crews or conducting and supporting operations at sea, MSCFE assets are exactly where and when they’re needed.

“Our ships provide direct support to all of the [Seventh Fleet] units operating at sea, under the sea and in the air. Our crews enable our warfighters to stay on station and accomplish their missions,” de Castro said.

“I will always appreciate all I have learned from those around me here at MSC, and since the time I was a midshipman, I was – and am — impressed with our ability to replenish our forces at sea, which is just one reason why I have enjoyed being part of this command.”

Since taking the helm at MSC Far East, de Castro claims the inaugural ship maintenance conducted in India and increased locations for maintenance throughout the Indo-Pacific region as highlights of this tour.

Prior to assuming command of MSCFE, de Castro served as chief of staff for Logistics Group, Western Pacific and Task Force 73. Other assignments ashore included the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations; support to NATO while on the Joint Staff; the Afghanistan Counter Insurgency Academy in Darulaman, Afghanistan; U.S. 6th Fleet and Striking Forces NATO.

The USNA alum who graduated from the Nichols School, Deerfield Academy and holds master’s degrees from the Naval Post Graduate School and the Naval War College, served aboard USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Peterson (DD 969), USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). During the tour aboard The Sullivans, de Castro served as the commanding officer.

His next assignment will be at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC.

Capt. Robert R. Williams relieved de Castro as commodore of MSC Far East, which includes offices in Singapore, Guam, Korea, Japan, and a presence in Republic of the Philippines.