Dakota City native takes command of Navy maritime security unit
Capt. Mark Gillaspie previously served as the unit’s deputy commander.
U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Gillaspie, left, relieves Capt. Jedediah Kloppel as commander of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One during a change of command ceremony at Naval Outlying Landing Field, Imperial Beach, Calif. Oct. 29, 2026. The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability which reinforces blue water lethality by protecting port and harbor infrastructure, securing high value assets, and dominating in the littorals with maritime security operations.(U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Cyrus Roson)