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KITTERY, Maine – Cmdr. Michael J. Poplawski turned command of the nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) over to Cmdr. Jess B. Feldon in a traditional change of command ceremony held Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, where the ship is located for a scheduled maintenance period.
Virginia, commissioned in 2004, is the lead ship of her class, and is currently assigned to Submarine Squadron 12, based at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
“Under Cmdr. Mike Poplawski’s leadership, the Virginia crew met every challenge they faced. I’m extremely proud of the entire team on Virginia. Mike improved every aspect of Virginia’s performance and is a truly inspirational leader,” said Capt. Matthew Boland, commanding officer of Squadron 12. “Cmdr. Jess Feldon inherits an incredible command. I’m excited to work with Jess to return USS Virginia to sea, prepare her for deployment, and certify the ship and the crew for combat operations.
“I’m also very proud of the professionals at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard,” he continued. “Their craftsmanship and professionalism keeps the submarines of Squadron 12 ready for operations in every possible situation, in every part of the globe.”
During his remarks at the ceremony, Poplawski lauded his crew’s “relentless pursuit of high standards and excellence.”
“Virginia, you remained committed to the mission, to taking care of each other, and to doing things the right way,” he said. “Through success and setbacks, highs and lows, you persevered, and placed your full confidence and trust in me to do right by you. … Your accomplishments are many, and speak to your commitment to excellence and to each other in the face of some of the most challenging situations. They detail your unparalleled enthusiasm, readiness and performance.”
Feldon told those in attendance that “it is humbling” to accept command, and said Poplawski “led with inspiration and relentless dedication.”
“To the Virginia crew, I am honored to join this team,” Feldon said. “I have been impressed by the professionalism, enthusiasm and pride that you demonstrate each day. Command is a tremendous privilege, one that I do not take lightly, and know that it must be earned each day.”
The keynote speaker at the event was Rear Adm. Oliver T. Lewis, the deputy director for political-military affairs on the Joint Staff. Lewis had previously served as the commanding officer for each the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) and Submarine Squadron 12.
Lewis described a shipyard maintenance period, like the one Virginia is undergoing, as “an environment that places incredible stress across the best of teams, due to the unpredictability, the limits of control and the demands of family.”
“Virginia has the best record of any submarine in the fleet in personnel completing first-term tours for the last three years running,” Lewis said. “That is the definition of sustained superior performance and that metric is one of the best indicators that we have of a command that is inclusive, supportive and healthy.”
Lewis said Poplawski prioritized finding opportunities for sailors to get at-sea experience with other units and attend schools for additional professional development while Virginia has been in the shipyard.
“Virginia is the role model,” he said. “The role model for how to retain, train and prepare a crew through an overhaul.”
After turning over command of USS Virginia, Poplawski will move on to become a deputy commanding officer of Submarine Squadron 12.
Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. They are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Fast-attack submarines project power ashore with special operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2021 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 409132 |
| Location: | KITTERY, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 815 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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