Cmdr. Eric Sager relieved Cmdr. Shawn Huey as commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) during a change of command ceremony held onboard the ship at U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, April 24.

Capt. Michael P. Holland, director, operations division, Office of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller (FMB-1), Washington, D.C., was the guest speaker.

"We're here to recognize the change in leadership on USS California," said Holland, a recent rear admiral selection. "We only do this about every two-and- a-half years on each ship. We can without question stand here today and say that this beautiful ship, USS California and all Virginia-class submarines, were built stronger and better than her predecessors. Virginia-class submarines are amazing machines and only in the last couple years have we been able to see what these ships with their intrepid crews can do while they are on deployment.

"Over the last few years, the California commissioning crew and its current crew, led by Cmdr. Huey, had to focus on their strengths and get past their weaknesses. Finishing the new construction process and getting a new crew on its first deployment is hard work. Many of the crew are new to the Navy, and the timeline is nearly impossible -nearly. However, it is possible with officers like Shawn Huey, and those you see standing on the pier today. It is also possible on a ship like California. No other class of ship is built well enough to get on deployment so quickly after commissioning.

"The crews prepared endlessly for new missions on a new ship with many new crew members. Most of this went well, but the magnitude of work was challenging. The crew pressed on as Cmdr. Huey focused on his teams' strengths and fixed what was needed of the weaknesses. Shawn, you got your team through one of the most challenging events in the life of a ship - its first deployment. Well done, my friend."

Holland, in conjunction with Capt. Jim Waters, Commander, Submarine Squadron 4, then presented Huey with this third Meritorious Service Medal, citing him for masterfully leading his ship through a transition from new construction boat to an operational submarine culminating in the successful completion of the ship's maiden deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.

Huey enlisted in the Navy in 1990, and after completing recruit training, he attended Machinist's Mate "A" School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Prototype Training. After qualification at prototype, he was selected to participate in the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in August 1995, and received his commission at Officer Candidate School in December 1995.

"For my command tour, I could not have had better leadership or shore support," said Huey. "I had an exceptional crew and had tremendous opportunities on deployment.

"Submarines bring stealth, agility, firepower, and endurance to the battlefield. The submarine, however, is nothing without the crew, and California has the best crew. Your actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition. I am proud of you, our country is proud of you. Thank you for choosing to serve.

"It has been my distinct honor to command this exceptional crew albeit for only a short time. Eric Sager is an outstanding officer with high standards and strong character. I know the ship will be in good hands. Eric, I wish you the best as you begin your journey as California's commanding officer. May God watch over this crew, so that this crew may watch over America. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your commanding officer. RUN SILENT! "

Huey's next assignment will be the executive assistant to the Director, Undersea Warfare on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Sager's last duty was as the Tactical Readiness Evaluation team executive officer of the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces. A native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Master's degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

"I am both humbled and honored to celebrate the crew of California's accomplishments over the last two- plus years, and I am excited to be joining such a fantastic team," said Sager. "Shawn, I'd like to congratulate you on a spectacular tour in command of California. Thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality during our transition to Groton, and for the thorough turnover. I look to build on the legacy that you have established here.

"For the mighty crew of California, I am thrilled to be your commanding officer and am impressed with your professionalism and dedication which I've observed over the last couple weeks. I eagerly await all the challenges that lie ahead - to quote the great Vince Lombardi: "We are going to relentlessly chase perfection knowing full well that we won't catch it because nothing is perfect. But we are going to chase it because in the process we will catch excellence."

The eighth Virginia-class submarine commissioned, and the seventh U.S. Navy ship named for the Golden State, California was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned on Oct. 29, 2011, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

California enables five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. California is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operates at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.