DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

USS Annapolis Holds Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Orourke | 260903-N-JI554-1002 NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 3, 2026) – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Clint Emrich,...... read more read more

GUAM

09.02.2026

Courtesy Story

Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 3, 2026) — Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Guam, Sept. 3, 2026, as Cmdr. Clint Emrich relinquished command to Cmdr. Jordan Kelly.

Rear Adm. Jeff Juergens, deputy director for Strategic Targeting at U.S. Strategic Command, served as the guest speaker. Capt. Christopher Carter, commander, Submarine Squadron 15, presided over the ceremony.

During his remarks, Juergens highlighted Annapolis’ role as a forward-deployed submarine and the operational advantage provided by maintaining combat-ready undersea forces in the Western Pacific.

“Annapolis is forward-deployed to Guam and operates closer to the places that matter. When something happens out here, Annapolis is not deploying to respond. Annapolis is already there,” said Juergens.

Juergens emphasized that the strategic value of the submarine force is often found in what remains unseen.

“Submarines do the things nothing else can do, they go where nothing else can go, and see what nobody else can see,” said Juergens. “There will never be a photograph or a headline, and the measure of a successful deployment is that no one, anywhere, ever knew the ship was there. Clint, you did just that. You took the toughest assignments, you built an unbreakable culture based on dignity and respect, and you kept this ship ready for the fight. As you stand ready to relinquish command today, you can look back on an exceptional tour. You have been an outstanding Commanding Officer. Bravo Zulu and outstanding job!”

During his command tour, Emrich led Annapolis through multiple Western Pacific deployments and operations, sustaining the readiness required of a forward-deployed submarine operating in one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions. Under his leadership, the crew trained more than 300 Sailors and achieved the highest qualification rate on the Guam waterfront, strengthening the combat readiness and operational capability of the Pacific Submarine Force.

“How does one find the words to thank this crew?” said Emrich. “How do you thank them for their devotion, their willing sacrifice, and their unrelenting tenacity in the face of the most arduous operating environment we can put them in? We could push no group as hard as we have pushed these Sailors, and they have risen to the call and answered it with honor, courage, and commitment.”

The Annapolis crew received high accolades from their exemplary performance throughout Emrich’s command tour. Annapolis earned the 2024 Battle Efficiency Award from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, the FY 2025 Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award, and a Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of the crew’s superb performance during operations in the Pacific.

Reflecting on the demands placed on the crew, Emrich cited former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan’s observation that “Hope is not a plan.” He pointed to the Sailors of Annapolis as the foundation of the submarine’s continued readiness and success.

“I present to you the American plan: the crew of USS Annapolis and so many like it across our force,” Emrich said. “They are the American dream. They are not our hope, they are our recipe, our plan, and they represent the best this country has to offer.”

Emrich also reflected on the relationships among the commanding officers and crews of Guam’s forward-deployed submarine waterfront. Those relationships, he said, build trust and strengthen the collective readiness of the force.

“The relationships on this waterfront enhance our readiness day-to-day and build the foundation of respect required for success in combat,” Emrich said. “To my relief, you are embarking on a fantastical journey. I wish you patience, grace, and tenacity through the stormiest of seas and fairest of days. Jordan, best of luck!”

Emrich, a Cleveland native and 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, will continue his service at Commander, Task Force 74, in Yokosuka, Japan. Kelly, a native of Rutherford, New Jersey, and a 2006 graduate of The Citadel, assumes command following a tour at Submarine Squadron 15.

“Standing here today is a tremendous honor, a profound responsibility, and, honestly, just plain exciting,” said Kelly. “Command at sea is a great privilege, and I could not be more proud to take the watch aboard Annapolis. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, chiefs, officers, and shipmates who helped me reach this point. This moment is a reminder that none of us reaches our goals alone. Operationally, our course is clear. We will be safe, disciplined, and relentlessly focused on warfighting excellence. We will train hard, challenge ourselves, and maintain an uncompromising standard. The future of Annapolis is bright, and I am excited for what lies ahead.”

Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 and based at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Annapolis is one of four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Operating from Guam at the tip of the spear, forward-deployed submarines provide a persistent, combat-ready undersea presence in the Western Pacific, strengthening deterrence and supporting a free and open Pacific.