USS Connecticut (SSN 22) Welcomes New Commanding Officer

WA, UNITED STATES

08.08.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Rebecca Ives 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

KEYPORT, Wash. (August 8, 2019) - The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) conducted a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, Washington, August 8.

Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani, a native of Anaheim, CA, relieved Cmdr. Carl S. Trask, a native of Glendora, CA, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Connecticut's commanding officer during the ceremony.

"Let's talk about how we earned the title fastest running, deepest diving, most heavily armed submarine in the world," said Trask. "Over the last two years we navigated over 100,000 miles - enough to sail around the world four times."

Trask assumed command of the Connecticut April 2017. During his tour, the boat spent 462 days underway, 533 days away from homeport, steamed 102,022 miles, conducted 22 port visits, and qualified 95 sailors in Submarine Warfare.

"If we are indeed the fastest running, deepest diving, most heavily armed submarine, it's because we have the finest team behind us," said Trask. "The Navy family takes care of each other. "

Under the leadership of Trask, the boat was awarded three Sea Service ribbons, two Navy Expeditionary medals and Commander, Submarine Development Squadron FIVE's Battle Efficiency "E" Retention Excellence award.

"Connecticut, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Captain," said Trask. "This is a great ship."

Aljilani comes to Connecticut from Director, Undersea Warfare on the Navy Staff as the lead for Strategic Communications and Speech Writing.

"I am ready to accept the CNO's challenge," said Aljilani. "The United States has the most powerful Navy in the world. Connecticut is one of the most capable warships in the world. In combat, there are no trophies for second place. We are the "Arsenal of the Nation." We we receive the call to arms, the call to go into harm's way, we will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win."

Connecticut, commissioned December 11, 1998, is the second of the Navy's three Seawolf-class submarines, all of which are homeported in the Pacific Northwest.

Originally intended as a class of 29 submarines, the end of the Cold War and budget constraints led to a restructuring of the class to three submarines. The Seawolf-class is significantly quieter than any Los Angeles-class submarine, faster, has more torpedoes tubes, and can carry more weapons -- up to 50 torpedoes or missiles, or 100 mines.

• Date Taken: 08.08.2019
• Date Posted: 08.08.2019 17:30
• Story ID: 335231
• Location: WA, US
• Hometown: ANAHEIM, CA, US
• Hometown: GLENDORA, CA, US