Capt. Aaron M. Thieme relieved Capt. Andrew C. Jarrett as commanding officer, Naval Submarine School, at a change of command ceremony at Submarine Base Dec. 18.

Capt. Thieme graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering. Following nuclear power and submarine training, Thieme was assigned to USS Georgia (SSBN 729) Blue Crew, where he qualified in submarines and completed five strategic deterrent patrols.

His next assignment was as Combat Systems Officer on USS Toledo (SSN 769). During this tour he was deployed to the North Atlantic Ocean and to the Mediterranean Sea. Following this tour, Thieme successfully completed the Royal Navy Submarine Command Course (Perisher) on HMS Tireless and HMS Sceptre.

As Executive Officer on USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Thieme completed a deployment to the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He commanded USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) from 2008 to 2011, taking the ship through an Engineered Overhaul and change of homeport to Guam.

Thieme's other assignments included Deputy Commander for Training for Commander, Submarine Squadron Four, Operations Officer for Commander Submarine Development Squadron Twelve and duty as an Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) instructor at the University of Mississippi.

Thieme most recently served as the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor.

Jarrett, commanding officer of Naval Submarine School since July 2013, will relieve Capt. David Robert Dec. 21. as commanding officer of the Submarine Learning Center.

But before reading his orders, he had some final thoughts for the command and staff he was leaving.

"It would be strange for a naval officer to not look forward to the time when he is ordered to take command, and it would be a strange officer who did not have some regrets at leaving his command wherever he is headed," said Jarrett. "Over the course of the last twenty-six years I have come to appreciate that this job is not about missions accomplished, or promotions received. Not about medals and decorations. It's about the great people you get to work with, those whose lives you have influenced as they have influenced yours. While I've always known that as submariners we are good at training, my tour here has given me a much better appreciation of how good we really are. It is our passion for training, about helping those heading to and serving on our ships that makes us so good. When I took command I promised to give you my best effort and asked that you give me yours in return. You did that and so much more. Thank you for the honor of serving as your Captain."

During the ceremony, Jarrett was presented with the Legion of Merit (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award) by Roberts.

While in command Jarrett led a staff of over 400 and managed 50 trainers worth in excess of $100 million providing training to over 5,000 officer and enlisted students.

"A master mentor, Capt. Jarrett has had a significant and lasting impact on hundreds of Junior Officers in training and on staff," said Roberts. "His dedication, passion and integrity made a dramatic impact on the training readiness of the entire submarine force."

With family, friends and shipmates enjoying the moment, Thieme was concise and confident in his first remarks to the staff and Sailors of his new command.

"As we enter our hundredth year, it is incumbent upon us to continue to build a solid foundation of personal and professional readiness in the warfighters who pass through here so our force can continue to meet our nation's tasks, now and in the challenging years to come, said Thieme.""I am honored to be part of a team that will do just that."

For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil.

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