The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Blue) held a change of command ceremony onboard the submarine, June 5.

Cmdr. Jared Wyrick was relieved by Cmdr. Joseph Pisoni as commanding officer of West Virginia (Blue) during a ceremony at its homeport, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

Wyrick thanked his crew and attributed his success as commanding officer to them as well.

"I was blessed to have the opportunity to witness these warriors day in and day out, do the impossible,” said Wyrick. “Many Americans won’t understand the sacrifice these silent Sailors make to operate this warship. These men serve on the most powerful weapon system ever created, armed for Armageddon, with the sole purpose of preventing it.” 

Wyrick continued to recognize the sacrifice and support of the crew’s families.

“I am thankful for the continued support of their families and their communities, enabling them to step on board, cast off all lines and head out to sea. Most of all, I am thankful for my wife Hallie, who covered down for a couple Christmases, birthdays and anniversaries with my amazing kids Jack, Jane and Miles, while dad went back to work with these men. And as always, one last thing, Let’s Go…Mountaineers!”

Wyrick assumed command of West Virginia in September 2017. Shortly after he took command, the ship was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award.

Wyrick, from Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering. He received a master’s degree in leadership and human development from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005.

“This is the best job anyone could ask for, it’s been a pleasure, but I am excited to see what Joe does next with these men,” said Wyrick.

The new commanding officer, Pisoni, previously served as Force Safety Deputy at Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic. Pisoni born in DuBois, Pennsylvania, is a graduate of Brocton Central High School in Brocton, New York, and was commissioned in 2003 through the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program. He attended North Carolina State University and earned a Master of Science in aerospace engineering. His parents, Joe and Judy Pisoni reside in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

"This is a proud moment and I’m honored to take command of such an incredible ship and crew who stand watch daily, protecting the American ideals and people around the world,” said Pisoni. "I wouldn’t be here today if not for the values my parents taught me and the example they set, the support and sacrifices made by my sons, John, Josh, Julian, and Jordan, and their fantastic mother Ruie, and of course the countless Sailors who taught me so much about leadership and Submarines over the years. I look forward to the challenge of carrying on the fine work Jared has done and continuing the mission of strategic deterrence with the men of steel of USS West Virginia Blue Crew.”

West Virginia is one of five ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.

Wyrick will now serve as a member of the Naval Office of the Inspector General.

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