A new commanding officer took charge of the Los Angeles Class, fast-attack, submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) during a change of command ceremony held aboard the submarine in its homeport Naval Submarine Base New London, July 22.

Cmdr. Orville Cave II relieved Cmdr. Michael Majewski as commanding officer.

"Throughout my career I have been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by outstanding Sailors and leaders and Toledo is no exception," said Majewski.

Majewski reminisced about his command tour aboard Toledo, a tour delayed ten months from the time he completed the submarine command course and when Toledo wrapped up shipyard availability.

"The wait was well worth it," said Majewski. "I took over a great ship that was manned by a great crew. They had the best attitude that I had ever seen. Every time that I asked more, they gave more."

One month from the end of Toledo's deployment orders came extending the crew for an additional month to support the theater commander.

"No one wants to spend another month away from their family, but the crew of Toledo embraced the opportunity," said Majewski. "That was one of the proudest moments of my command, knowing that the theater commander trusted these Sailors so much that he wanted them to remain in theater."

Majewski thanked his parents for teaching him to be a good person and instilling his work ethic. He thanked his Grandma Cox for advice and for being a model of how to raise a family. He thanked his three children for their patience and understanding that his duty required. Majewski saved the greatest praise for his wife Tracey. He called Tracey his rock and the glue that held everything together at home. "You are an incredible wife, mother to our girls, and a mentor to the young spouses," said Majewski. "This journey would not have been possible without everything you did to support me."

Majewski spoke to his children during the speech as well. He thanked them for the support they provided he and Tracey and for understanding the demanding nature of his job.

"I am looking forward to making up for some of the lost time," said Majewski.

He also recognized his "oldest and dearest friend", Master Gunnery Sgt. Brad Everett. "Brad and I grew up together from the age of 5. Most of the time was spent playing sports or pretending that we were G.I. Joe characters. Who would've thought that 26 years after graduating high school we would be here, still playing G.I. Joe, just with higher stakes."

In addition to friends and family, Majewski credited a long list of people and groups that made his time aboard Toledo a success.

He thanked his Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group for the support they provided for the Sailors' loved ones.

He called his wardroom, "an outstanding group of ship drivers and leaders."

He said his Chiefs Mess was, "second to none on the waterfront ... the chief's quarters was where the magic happened everyday."

Majewski saved the most powerful words for the crew as a whole, approximately 135 men coming together as one and he addressed them as one, officers and enlisted alike.

"We live in uncertain times. Now more than ever our nation needs men like you, men of integrity, men of courage and men of commitment to take our warship into harm's way to conduct the missions that our nation counts on us for," said Majewski. "Know that everyday you are making a difference."

Cave thanked Majewski for a great turn over.

"You have trained the crew well and left me in charge of a superior team and a fine ship," said Cave. "I will strive to take care of them as we continue to carry out the submarine force's mission."

Cave thanked all the submariners who have served as mentors throughout his career.

"This includes chiefs, department heads, XOs and COs who taught me what it means to be an officer in the world's finest submarine force."

Cave thanked his family and friends for their never-ending support, with special recognition for his daughters and his wife, Kitty.

"I am honored to follow the commanding officers what have gone before me," said Cave. "These men knew the importance of leading, mentoring and taking care of the men that provide life to the ship. Toledo is the finest submarine in the fleet, with a well-trained crew, and a proud history. I am thrilled to be given this opportunity."

Under Majewski's leadership Toledo's crew had a tradition of answering their leader's yell of "769!" with a loud response of "TOLEDO!"

Both Majewski and Cave understand the crew are the lifeblood of Toledo and they know that the greatest accomplishments come when that crew act as one. Formally the ceremony was called a change of command, but it was more a transition from one leader to another, allowing the ship and crew to continue doing business the Toledo way.

"To my new team on board Toledo, I look forward to serving as your captain and promise to give you enthusiasm and effort everyday we serve together," said Cave.

For the first time as Toledo's commanding officer, Cave shouted, "769!" As one, the crew responded, "Toledo!"

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