Following its commissioning ceremony on Saturday, the Navy's newest Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine, USS Illinois (SSN-786) held a change of command ceremony onboard the submarine at Naval Submarine Base New London on Oct. 31.

Cmdr. Neil Steinhagen became Illinois' second commanding officer after relieving Cmdr. Jessie Porter, who took Illinois from a pre-commissioning unit to a United States Ship.

When Porter addressed those in attendance he credited the Illinois crew with all of the successes that led to the ship being commissioned. "It was the crew that poured their blood, sweat and tears into this ship."

Porter left his mark on Illinois and its crew, but will carry a piece of Illinois with him even after he departs. "The Illinois crew has truly shown the devotion to a worthy deed and have obtained the triumph of high achievement," said Porter. "You have inspired me and have driven me to be a better man and a better officer -I am forever in your debt."

Steinhagen, a second-generation submariner, thanked Cmdr. Porter for preparing Illinois and her crew for sea. "Your care and dedication are reflected in the crew's outstanding performance thus far, and I plan to continue that positive trend in performance," said Steinhagen.

For Steinhagen taking command of Illinois feels like coming home. "I've always said that I have two families, my family at home, and my family at sea. I don't mesh well with shore duty-I'm glad to have a second family again," said Steinhagen. "I'm proud to be your newest crew member and look forward to calling each other shipmates..."


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