DEVRON 5 Holds Change of Command

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Amanda Gray | KEYPORT, Wash. (May 23, 2019) Capt. Stephen Mack, from Silver Spring, Maryland, left, turns over command to Capt. Lincoln Reifsteck, from Fairfield, California, during a change of command ceremony, held at Barb Hall, for Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 5. DEVRON 5 is responsible for multiple submarine warfare areas to include submarine rescue operations and the activities of its three Seawolf-class submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda R. Gray/Released)  

KEYPORT, WA, UNITED STATES

05.23.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Gray 

U.S. Navy           

KEYPORT, Wash. - Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 5 (DEVRON 5), held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport, May 23.

Capt. Lincoln Reifsteck, from Fairfield, California, relieved Capt. Stephen Mack, from Silver Spring, Maryland, as commodore during the ceremony held at Barb Hall.

“Capt. Mack’s leadership here at Submarine Development Squadron 5 has been nothing short of spectacular from day one,” said Rear Adm. Blake Converse, commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Capt. Mack and his team were expected to do the job of a traditional submarine squadron and develop a whole new field of unmanned deployable systems for submarines, then operate those systems in both test and real-world operations; and his team delivered.”

Mack assumed command of DEVRON 5 Sept. 27, 2017. Under his leadership, the team guided USS Seawolf (SSN 21) though a 38-month Chief of Naval Operations availability and sea trials; USS Connecticut (SSN 22) successfully completed two deployments; USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) and Detachment Undersea Research and Development Squadron completed a research, development, test and evaluation operations; and the Navy’s first Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron (UUVRON-1) was launched. UUVRON-1 also received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for their efforts in the search for ARA San Juan, the lost Argentinian submarine.

“DEVRON 5 Sailors, the work you are doing matters,” said Mack. “Each of you has inspired me with your dedication and sacrifice. DEVRON 5 Sailors, our nation and our teams need you, and I challenge you to leave DEVRON 5 better for your having been there.”

Mack’s next assignment will be in Norfolk, Virginia, where he will serve as Chief of Staff for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

“DEVRON 5, my turnover has been nothing short of excellent,” said Reifsteck. “It is a great staff and I am so grateful to join the team. Thank you for your continued hard and diligent work together for our ships and mission.”

Reifstack comes to DEVRON 5 from Washington D.C., where he served as the Nuclear Operations Division Chief for the Joint Staff.

DEVRON 5 is charged with multiple submarine warfare mission areas to include submarine rescue operations and the activities of its three Seawolf-Class submarines. DEVRON 5 is responsible for developing and testing new submarine warfare capabilities, including the use of Unmanned Undersea Vehicles.

• Date Taken: 05.23.2019
• Date Posted: 05.23.2019 18:13
• Story ID: 323817
• Location: KEYPORT, WA, US
• Hometown: FAIRFIELD, CA, US
• Hometown: SILVER SPRING, MD, US