The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) held a change-of-command ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, July 7.

Capt. Joe Turk relieved Capt. Erik A. Burian as commanding officer (CO) of Michigan. This was the first time Michigan conducted a change-of-command in Japan.

"It was a unique opportunity to do a change-of-command in Japan, but in many ways it was absolutely fitting that we did," said Burian. "We are operating forward, we are co-located with our operational commander, and we are continuing to build strategic relationships with our Japanese Navy regional partners. It all fit and it was exactly where it should be."

Burian assumed command in April 2013. Under his leadership the Blue Crew completed three valuable Western Pacific deployments and three productive forward-deployed repair periods that ensured the ship remained mission-ready across the spectrum of submarine operations.

"[Burian] has handled that responsibility exceptionally well these last two years," said Capt. James Childs, Submarine Group 7 chief of staff and the guest speaker for the change of command. "He has succeeded by treating each member of his crew with respect and making each Sailor feel like a valuable member of a team doing important work, by listening and taking recommendations, instead of dictating; by focusing on building capacity and warfighting readiness through crew members' personal and professional development; and by cultivating a culture of open communication and honest self-assessment."

Burian made a commitment to his crew early in his tour to allow Sailors to be with their wives during the births of their children, regardless of the time in the ship's mission cycle. That promise came with the understanding that the crew would stay ahead of watch station qualification goals and also pursue advanced qualifications.

"I consider it one of the biggest successes over my three command tours that every shipmate was home with his wife for the birth of their child," he said. "It's really been a beautiful win-win, building trust with shipmates and the families - loyalty up, down and between peers - and a powerful depth of competence among the crew."

Burian has guided Michigan through a challenging and rewarding two years. As the crew bids him farewell, they welcome a new era with Turk.

"I commend Capt. Burian for mentoring and developing this dedicated crew during the past two years," the new commanding officer said. "I am excited to take command of this outstanding crew and warship."

Turk previously served as deputy chief of staff for strategic forces, nuclear weapons and force protection at Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) in Pearl Harbor.

Burian's next duty station will be at COMSUBPAC.

Michigan is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington and is forward deployed to Guam for mission cycles lasting about a year and a half.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil