JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Mar. 12, 2026) - Sailors, family members, and community leaders gathered to witness a time-honored naval tradition during the change of command ceremony of Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 12, 2026. Cmdr. David Taweel relieved Cmdr. Daniel Jones as commanding officer of Hawaii.
Jones took command of Hawaii in November 2023. In his remarks, he lauded the composure, preparedness, and commitment of the Hawaii crew in successfully navigating challenges as a team.
“Being Hawaii’s commanding officer was successful through the crew’s ability to persevere through any challenge with tenacity.” Jones noted. “I am immensely proud and thankful to the Hawaii Sailors for their trust and dedication. Their warfighting ethos is second to none. Onboard the War Canoe everyone truly rows - Eō nā toa e!”
Under Jones’s leadership, USS Hawaii completed a variety of operations supporting maritime security, regional stability, and joint-force readiness across the Indo-Pacific region. From August to September 2024, Hawaii completed the first-ever SSN maintenance period at HMAS Stirling, Australia, along with submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and Royal Australian Navy maintenance personnel, as part of Pillar I of the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) partnership. In December 2025, Hawaii returned from a successful scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, performing a wide range of operations and completing a port visit to Japan.
Retired Navy Rear Adm. Stephen Mack, a former commanding officer of USS Hawaii, attended the ceremony as the guest speaker. “Dan has taken on the toughest job the Submarine Force has to offer and done it superbly.” Said Mack. “Dan leaves command with an impressive track record. But far more importantly, he leaves command with the knowledge that he personally invested in the success of every Sailor onboard Hawaii.”
Taweel, previously serving as executive assistant for commander, Submarine Forces, assumed command with a commitment to building upon the submarine’s legacy of excellence. In his remarks, Taweel expressed appreciation of Jones’ leadership and the strong foundation he laid forth throughout his tenure as commanding officer.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to navigate our team towards achieving excellence on the course Cmdr. Jones charted.” Said Taweel. “I am honored to serve onboard Hawaii and look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
Held during Hawaii’s first-ever Navy Week, the ceremony highlighted the deep connection between the Navy and local communities across the Hawaiian islands. Throughout Navy Week Honolulu/Hilo, Sailors participated in community outreach engagements designed to showcase the Navy’s mission and strengthen ties with the people of Hawaii.
Events in both Hilo and Honolulu allowed residents to interact directly with Sailors through educational programs, musical performances, and service projects highlighting naval service and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and maritime careers.
Hawaii’s keel was laid down August 27, 2004. and was commissioned May 5, 2007. Hawaii is the first commissioned vessel of its name. The submarine was named to recognize the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people and state of Hawaii, and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific.
Measuring 377 feet long and displacing more than 7,800 tons, Hawaii has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Hawaii is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
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