NORFOLK, Va.– Cmdr. David Fassel relieved Cmdr. Mike Grubb as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750), April 23, 2019, during a change of command ceremony held at Pier 3, on Naval Station Norfolk.
Grubb assumed command of Newport News in October 2016 and, following the change of command, will report to Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board.
“Take Newport News to an even higher level of performance through this next deployment cycle,” said Grubb, addressing the crew. “Never be content with the status quo, always challenge each other to achieve more, and always strive for absolute excellence.”
During his remarks, Grubb recognized those who have had the biggest impact in shaping his career: his family, friends and shipmates past.
“For my guests and the crew, you all have at least one thing in common,” said Grubb. “I owe my success to each of you for at least one reason; often several.”
Captain George Perez Jr., the Chief of Staff for Submarine Group 10, expressed his pleasure in working with Grubb in the past.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Mike for nearly 10 years now,” said Perez. “Without oversight or support, he absolutely flourished in one of the most demanding assignments we have in the Navy today—command of the warship you see here before you.”
Fassel reports to Newport News from the staff of the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he served as an Operations Analyst.
“I would like to thank the officers, chiefs and crew of USS Newport News,” said Fassel, and followed with a message to the crew. “While challenges that lie in front of us are numerous, the strength and talent of this team are unmatched. I look forward to serving and sailing with you.”
The Newport News is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. It’s 362-feet long and 32-feet wide and weighs nearly 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through water at speeds of more than 30 knots while submerged.