Kloppel Hands Off MESG-1 Command to Gillaspie
Capt. Mark Gillaspie takes command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 as Capt. Jedidiah Kloppel moves to a new post in San Diego.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in People
Capt. Jedidiah Kloppel turned over command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 to Capt. Mark Gillaspie during a ceremony on October 29 at Naval Base Coronado in California. Kloppel will now serve as chief of staff for Expeditionary Strike Group 3 in San Diego.
Why it matters
Leadership changes in the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force shape how the Navy protects ports, harbors and coastal infrastructure. The transition also places an officer with local ties into a key staff role for San Diego-based naval operations.
Kloppel held MESG-1 command from May 2025 through October 29, 2026, a period of about 17 months. The source does not provide staffing levels, budget figures or unit size for the group.
The players
Jedidiah Kloppel
A Navy captain who led Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 and is originally from Spearfish, South Dakota.
Mark Gillaspie
A Navy captain who previously served as deputy commander of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 before assuming its command.
Maritime Expeditionary Security Force
A Navy force that protects ports, harbors, coastal infrastructure and important naval assets around the world.
The details
Kloppel oversaw efforts to improve military readiness, modernize equipment and strengthen training and support for sailors during his tenure. Gillaspie, MESG-1's former deputy commander, is expected to prioritize keeping sailors ready for missions and supporting the people who carry them out.
Timeline
May 2025: Kloppel took command of MESG-1.
October 29, 2026: Command turnover ceremony held at Naval Base Coronado.
Leadership Pipeline
Command changes like this one move officers through the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force, the Navy component responsible for port and coastal security. The rotation places Kloppel on the Expeditionary Strike Group 3 staff in San Diego.
Readers following Navy leadership in San Diego will see Kloppel's move to Expeditionary Strike Group 3 staff take effect locally. Command changes like this one can affect scheduling and operational priorities at regional naval installations.
The takeaway
Command transitions in the Navy carry forward readiness priorities while bringing officers with local experience into new roles. Watching who fills staff positions in San Diego can show how regional naval operations are shaped.
Further reading
Explore more San Diego people coverage for context on local leadership moves.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
