Cmdr. Eric Rozek relieved Cmdr. Michael Luckett as commanding officer of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) at a change of command ceremony held at the submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 5.

As Rozek assumed command of Mississippi, he expressed how honored and humbled he is to have been selected to take charge of such a professional and accomplished group of submariners.

"It is an honor and privilege to serve as your commanding officer," said Rozek, a St. Paul, Minnesota, native. "To the crew and the families of the Mississippi, it has been a pleasure getting to know each of you and thank you for your professionalism and openness throughout turnover. Here in Pearl Harbor, we are surrounded by many reminders of what it could mean to serve our great nation.

"In the state of Mississippi, Mississippi State University athletic victories were eloquently expressed by the late Jack Cristil. He defined tradition, history, spirit, dedication, loyalty, courage and honor through one voice, one maxim, 'Wrap it in Maroon and White.' We know Mississippi may be called upon to be the country's sentinel and vanguard, we will be ready. We will continue the tradition as expressed by Mr. Cristil, we will 'Wrap it in Maroon and White.'"

The ceremony's guest speaker, Capt. Chris Kaiser, director of maintenance and material readiness for submarine force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, welcomed Rozek and his family with a warm "aloha."

"Eric, I know you are excited and ready for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead," said Kaiser, a native of Fort Collins, Colorado. "Stand fast in your commitment to ensuring that Mississippi remains agile, adaptive, and always ready to fight and win."

Kaiser went on to praise Luckett and the entire Mississippi crew.

"Mike, congratulations," said Kaiser. "I could not be more proud of you personally and of your accomplishments. You've been a fantastic leader and advocate for this Mississippi team. The Navy and our nation owe you a debt of gratitude. To the crew of Mississippi, congratulations for the outstanding work all of you do on a daily basis. Operating technical marvels like this ship takes collective wisdom, strength and dedication of a focused and disciplined team. Stay sharp and keep that focus as you train and prepare Mississippi for future operations."

Luckett expressed appreciation to his crew for their hard work and dedication while in command of the submarine.

"To the warriors of Mississippi, this day is truly about you" said Luckett, hailing from Banning, California. "I am honored and humbled to have been a part of this great crew. The resiliency and commitment you have shown to accomplish this is a worthy testament to generations of American Sailors who have come to the Pacific to defend our nation.

"The Navy, our nation, and our allies will continue to deliver undersea superiority. I am certain you will rise to each new challenge and you will continue to make me proud, for this is not just what you do, it's who you are, submarine warriors."

USS Mississippi is the fourth and newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor. The submarine is 377-feet long, displaces 7,800 tons, and is equipped to carry torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, and possesses the capacity to insert special operations forces into a multitude of environments and battlefield scenarios.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/ and www.navy.mil/local/subpac/.