Commander Alban Dervishi, originally from Tirana and born into a family with a military tradition, officially took command of the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) during a Change‑of‑Command ceremony held on June 27 at Naval Base San Diego.

He relieved Cmdr. Peter Downes and received his command-at-sea pin from his wife—a poignant highlight captured in official Navy photographs. In his first remarks as commanding officer, Dervishi expressed gratitude to the crew and his family for their unwavering support throughout his career.

With over two decades of service, Cmdr. Dervishi served as Executive Officer aboard Pearl Harbor since February 2024 and led deployments spanning operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Baltic, Black Sea, and Mediterranean. His honors include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, and multiple Achievement Medals.