Submarine Squadron Four held a change of command ceremony on Thursday, March 30, aboard the Virginia Class, fast-attack submarine, USS California (SSN 781) at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.

Capt. Brian Sittlow relieved Capt. John McGunnigle as Commander, Submarine Squadron Four (CSS-4).

Under McGunnigle's leadership CSS-4 trained, manned and equipped 13 nuclear-powered, fast attack submarines, from 2015 until 2017, nine of which, are currently assigned to the squadron and homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Commander, Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, who served as the ceremony's guest speaker, told those in attendance how much he enjoyed being back in the submarine capital of the world, Groton, Conn., which certifies an average of one deployment-ready, fast-attack submarine a month.

"All of this success isn't an accident," said Tofalo. "Consistently and successfully generating readiness and getting these warships to sea is a credit to their crews, the supporting commands and the highly capable staff at SUBRON FOUR, but it starts at the top with the squadron commander. Congratulations John on a job extremely well done."

Tofalo spoke to Sittlow when he said, "Commodore Sittlow, congratulations! I know that you are ready to hit the decks running in your new assignment as Commander, Submarine Squadron Four. Your career to date has prepared you well for this extremely important assignment."

When McGunnigle spoke he thanked those he worked with as CSS-4 Commodore and throughout his career. He thanked his leaders who, "gave me a vision and a standard, and more importantly the maneuvering room to execute. They were always there to provide advice, support and counsel and always held me accountable to meeting the high standards, which make our submarine force the best in the world."

He thanked the commanding officer of each CSS-4 submarine by name as well as the major commanders in the area that make up Team New London.

McGunnigle also praised the staff and leadership of General Dynamics Electric Boat, which he praised as, "the best shipbuilders in the world."

The outgoing commodore also recognized the staff members of CSS-4 as, "experts in the submarine force, fun to work with and they simply do their jobs."

McGunnigle thanked his family for their support when he said, "You are all the reason why I serve and why I am who I am."

Sittlow started his speech by addressing McGunnigle, "You have been a mentor, friend, leader, advisor and even a wolf-pack brother to me throughout my career. I am very excited to be on the stage with you today, to celebrate all of your accomplishments."

CSS-4's new commander emphasized the importance of people in the submarine force, "...building and operating our submarines is a people game, and a team sport, and not necessarily a course of instruction in metallurgy, nuclear physics, tactics or weaponeering."

Sittlow closed his remarks by saying, "Finally for the reason we are all here today-SUBRON Four. Your collective accomplishments, which include the full spectrum, from dedicated ship building right here in the submarine capital of the world, to far away deployed areas all across the world-are eye watering! I am very proud to be a part of this team, to lead this team, with all my dedicated effort and professionalism. I can't wait to get started!"


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