SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Spearfish native has completed his tenure as commander of one of the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary security organizations.
Captain Jedidiah Kloppel formally transferred command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One during a ceremony on October 29th at Naval Base Coronado in California. Kloppel had led the organization since May of 2025, overseeing efforts to strengthen military readiness, modernize equipment, and enhance training and support for sailors.
Kloppel will remain in Southern California, where he has been assigned as chief of staff for Expeditionary Strike Group Three in San Diego.
His successor, Captain Mark Gillaspie, previously served as deputy commander of the unit and says his focus will be on maintaining mission readiness while supporting the sailors who carry out those operations.
Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One is responsible for helping protect ports, harbors, coastal infrastructure, and critical naval assets around the world.
