Capt. Andrew C. Jarrett relieved Capt. David A. Roberts as commanding officer of the Submarine Learning Center during a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London Dec. 21.

Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander, Navy Education and Training Command, was guest speaker and told the audience that under the leadership of Roberts, the training results at the center were excellent.

"You and your team led the way in building learning continuums for every submarine force rating and designator, incorporating updated training devices and simulation," White said. "Stepping into the future, your team developed and tested a virtual training environment to teach students worldwide, decreasing travel and maintaining a skilled force. You also seamlessly added enlisted women into the training programs.

"These are just a very few of the innovations and dynamic changes you've established that will positively impact the fleet for years to come."

Roberts' next assignment is chief of staff at the Undersea Warfare Development Center in Groton.

"The need for relevant, cutting edge, adaptable training for our undersea warriors has never been more important than today," Roberts said. "In a world where submarines are in high demand worldwide and the enemy continues to get smarter, and stealthier, and faster, it's critical that we control the undersea domain with the best people, the best ships and the best systems.

"The training professionals at the Submarine Learning Center are the unsung heroes of the submarine force," he continued. "They know more about submarine training than all of us combined and I am a better naval officer and training professional for having worked with them."

Jarrett's previous command was, literally, down the street at Submarine Base New London as commanding officer of the Naval Submarine School, where he had also relieved Roberts.

In assuming charge of the SLC, and with it the responsibility to train the officer and enlisted Sailors of the submarine force, Jarrett thanked his family for their love and support but couldn't resist noting the personal history he and Roberts share.

"Dave, thanks for the great turnover," Jarrett said. "We sure have come a long way from those two first-class midshipmen who rode the USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40) from Guam to San Diego in the summer of 1988, and although we've raced the same race for close to 27 years, I always seem to be just one step behind.

"But if I have to follow someone, I want it to be you. You are not only one of the finest officers I have ever known, but you are also one of the best people I have ever known and I am privileged to call you my friend."

The Submarine Learning Center has training sites in fleet concentrations around the world from Connecticut to Georgia, from Washington to California, and across the Pacific to Hawaii and Guam.

For more information about SLC visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/, or https://www.facebook.com/Submarine-Learning-Center-99402292333/?fref=ts.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.