Photo By John Narewski | 2500606-N-UM744-1002 - Capt. Jason Grizzle is presented with the Legion of Merit by...... read more read more
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GROTON, Connecticut – Capt. Jason Grizzle turned command of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 4 over to Capt. Thomas Flaherty in a traditional change of command ceremony held Friday, June 6, on board the fast-attack submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797) while pierside at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
Adm. William Houston, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, served as guest speaker and Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, commander of Naval Submarine Forces, presided over the ceremony.
“The American people rely on the submarine force to defend them from harm and protect our national interests around the world,” Houston said during his remarks. “The fast attack submarine is the apex predator in the maritime domain and has no rival.”
Houston went on to laude Captain Grizzle for his success as the commander of SUBRON 4. "As a leader, Captain Grizzle is second to none,” Houston said. “He is the kind of leader who breaks down barriers to success. I have always been able to count on him, and Squadron Four, to deliver operational, proficient and combat effective submarines whenever and wherever they were needed.”
Grizzle, a Chickasha, Oklahoma native and 1999 graduate of Auburn University, took command in April 2023, and since led 14 submarine captains and over 2,000 personnel in the successful execution of 5 deployments, 15 maintenance periods and the delivery and commissioning of two warships from post shakedown availabilities - a fete he called "the most demanding yet rewarding experience of my career."
"To the skippers, COBs, and work center professionals, you all make my job look easy every day," Grizzle said. "It's the hard work and dedication to your people, warship and mission that makes this job easier."
Grizzle, who will continue his service as the division director of Submarine and Nuclear Officer Distribution, also thanked his staff for their "long nights and underways in support of ensuring our warships are ready for combat."
"The tireless efforts you all have shown during this tour is remarkable," Grizzle said. "Captain Flaherty, I trust you are in good hands as you lead the Squadron Four team through the next chapter."
Grizzle’s previous submarine tours include USS Maryland (SSBN 738), USS Asheville (SSN 758), USS Georgia (SSGN 729) and as commanding officer of USS Providence (SSN 719), then-homeported in Groton.
Flaherty spoke briefly during the ceremony stating, “It is truly an honor to be here today.”
Flaherty, a Grand Island, New York native and 2000 graduate of the Naval Academy, arrives at SUBRON 4 after serving as Division Chief, Deputy Director for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations, Joint Staff Directorate for Operations (J-3). His previous submarine tours include USS Louisiana, USS Boise, USS Olympia and USS Minnesota.
“I am honored to join this amazing team,” Flaherty said. “Commanding officers and crews of our submarines, I am here to support you, to challenge you, and to ensure you have every tool you need to succeed. You embody naval power, and I will do everything I can to ensure your continued success, safety, and excellence.”
SUBRON 4’s mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, prepared, and committed to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe. It is one of two SUBRONs based out of SUBASE New London, alongside Submarine Squadron 12, commanded by Capt. Philip Castellano.
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: | 06.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2025 16:15 |
| Story ID: | 499895 |
| Location: | GROTON, CONNECTICUT, US |
| Hometown: | CHICKASHA, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Hometown: | GRAND ISLAND, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 1,053 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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