Commander, Submarine Task Force Europe and Africa (CTF 69) welcomed a new Commodore during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, March 29.

Capt. Anthony Carullo was relieved by Capt. Roger Meyer, while Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Adm. Christopher Grady, presided over the ceremony.

Quotes:

"In addition to U.S. submarines patrols, Tony and his team have made dramatic improvements in how we coordinate with his NATO allies. We have the same professional dedication, fighting spirit and toughness, and are definitely more effective when we operate together. Tony's revitalization of multi-national theater and anti-submarine warfare exercises has quantifiably improved our interoperability and increased our collective capacity to operate at the highest end of warfare."

-Vice Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet

"Deployed submarine operations require 24/7/365 support, and the Sailors of Task Force 69 faithfully stood the watch every day, providing this vital support to our submarines. On top of dealing with and solving the most difficult challenges, they still found the time and dedication to complete the important staff work required to support the fleet. I was fortunate to see how their many hours of hard work shaped important leadership decisions, many times at the highest levels of our government. If I could share with you the details of what they do every day, all of you would sleep a little better knowing they are standing watch for us every night. Each and every one of them has given their all and I could not be prouder to have been called their commodore."
-Capt. Anthony Carullo

"It's a high honor to assume the responsibilities as commander, Task Force 69. I am thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. To the staff, your lists of accomplishments are varied and lengthy. I pledge to you today to continue those accomplishments. Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark was fond of telling his Sailors, 'Go write some history.' Well today, I too challenge you to do so."
-Capt. Roger Meyer

Quick Facts:
- Since July 2015, Carullo led CTF 69, which is comprised of approximately 150 Sailors primarily from the submarine and communications forces.
- During Carullo's command, CTF 69 supported more than 20 submarine deployments from Submarine Squadrons 4 and 12 from Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Squadron 6 from Norfolk, and Submarine Squadron 16 from Kings Bay, Georgia.
- During his tenure, CTF 69 supported various operations, including Operation Inherent Resolve, the first U.S. aircraft carrier-based strikes launched from the Mediterranean since 1999, and more than 13 multi-national and allied exercises including several NATO-led Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Manta series of exercises.
- Carullo's leadership and personal engagement built a solid operational relationship with key regional partners and led to a multi-national effort to improve theater anti-submarine warfare procedures and cooperation among key allies.
- CTF 69 conducts submarine operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
- U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.