SAN DIEGO, Calif. –
Defense Service Office (DSO) West held a change of command ceremony onboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, Calif., on June 9, 2022. DSO West command members, family, and friends were invited to witness the ceremony.
Rear Adm. David G. Wilson, Commander, Naval Legal Service Command, presided over the ceremony during which Capt. Ryan J. Stormer relieved Capt. Stephen C. Reyes as commanding officer of DSO West.
Wilson congratulated Reyes for his achievements as commanding officer of DSO West.
“Your success is truly reflected by the amazing accomplishments of your command,” said Wilson after listing the numerous endeavors undertaken by DSO West, as well as the command’s many awards received, under Reyes’s leadership.
During the ceremony, Reyes thanked his Sailors for a rewarding tour and acknowledged the support his family has provided throughout the years.
“These last two years we have faced many challenges, and I truly believe that the solutions to these challenges do not come from the top down, but from the mind and hearts of leaders like you. Thank you for leading this command,” said Reyes.
Reyes has since reported to the Office of the General Counsel of the Navy in Washington, D.C.
Stormer recently completed a tour as the circuit judge for the Navy-Marine Corps Southwest Judicial Circuit in San Diego, Calif. Prior to that position, he was the executive officer of Region Legal Service Office, Naval District Washington.
Addressing DSO West as commanding officer for the first time, Stormer said: “Together, I know we will continue to meet our vitally important mission of providing the highest quality legal representation to the Fleet. The Sailors we represent count on us, and I know we will continue to be up for the challenge.”
Stormer originally hails from Cold Spring, Ky. He attended Hanover College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 2000. In 2003, he graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, with a specialization in litigation. In 2013, he received a Master of Laws degree in Litigation and Dispute Resolution, with highest honors, from The George Washington University Law School. He is admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio and in U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.
DSO West provides legal representation to military service members at Administrative Separation Boards, Boards of Inquiry, and Courts-Martial, in addition to providing advice to service members on defense-related topics such as non-judicial punishment.