Cmdr. Mark Hazenberg relieved Capt. Andrew Kimsey as commanding officer of Undersea Rescue Command (URC) during a ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Aug. 14.

URC's mission is world-wide submarine assessment, intervention, and rescue. As a leader in undersea rescue, URC conducts numerous undersea exercises and conferences throughout the world.

Under Kimsey's command, URC participated in Dynamic Monarch 2014, a NATO-led submarine rescue exercise, the largest submarine rescue exercise of its kind. In January 2014, the Submarine Decompression System (SDS) was delivered by Oceaneering International Inc., which will provide URC with the capability to perform transfer under pressure and pressurized submarine rescue once the system is certified.

Recently, URC's primary deep sea submarine rescue asset, the Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM-1) Falcon, underwent an extensive refurbishment and recertification process, bringing the Navy's most complex deep submergence system back to 100-percent operational readiness.

"I have to thank my crew for their tireless dedication and hard work," said Kimsey. "We were challenged with the ever-so critical task of getting PRM recertified and reestablishing the U.S. Navy's deep sea submarine rescue capability. This team always stepped up to the plate and delivered."

Upon assuming command, Hazenberg addressed the URC team about the future of URC and undersea rescue.

"We will always be ready to lend a hand if the need arises," he said. "The determination of this team is uncanny and I know we will continue this commitment to excellence. With new systems coming on line and future exercises ahead of us, we will continue to show why we are at the forefront of deep sea submarine rescue."

URC is comprised of approximately 145 personnel: 45 active duty officers and enlisted, 35 contractors, and about 65 reservists. URC's undersea rescue capabilities include the Atmospheric Diving Suit 2000, Submarine Rescue Chamber, and PRM. URC is homeported at NASNI and is assigned to Submarine Squadron 11, which consists of four Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines, and the floating dry-dock Arco (ARDM 5).

For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, visit www.navy.mil/.