Commander, Submarine Group 10 held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Chapel, May 7.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Jablon was relieved by Rear Adm. Michael Bernacchi as Commander, Submarine Group 10.

Vice Adm. Chas Richard, Commander, Submarine Forces, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and commended Jablon and the Kings Bay Team for their outstanding performance.

“I could not be prouder of the 9,000 men and women who make up Team Kings Bay,” Richard said. “Under your leadership, this team has been responsible for eight of the most capable and most powerful naval platforms the world has ever known and, more importantly, 15 crews of outstanding SSBN and SSGN submarine warriors.”

Jablon, from Frostburg, Maryland, was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and stressed the importance of strategic deterrence and the team effort it takes to accomplish the mission.

“Our little corner of Southeast Georgia is responsible for all East Coast Ohio-class submarines and our Submarine Force is responsible for 70 percent of our nation’s accountable nuclear warheads, yet our submariners make up only six percent of our Nation’s Navy,” said Jablon. “It is a great responsibility we ask our Sailors to carry and they cannot do it alone.”  

He assumed command of Submarine Group 10, on June 22, 2018. Under his leadership, the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) completed a two-year engineered refueling overhaul, the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) undocked during its extended refit period and Submarine Squadron 20’s ballistic-missile submarines completed 14 strategic deterrent patrols.

Jablon went on to laud the efforts of Team Kings Bay.

“I’ve realized that “Team Kings Bay” is not just a phrase,” he said. “It is a way of life; a group of dedicated individuals, organizations and commands whose sole reason for being is to support our crews who both carry out the number one mission of the Department of Defense and who conduct missions of vital importance to our country.”

Jablon will next serve as the Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, Deputy to the Chief of Naval Personnel (N13).

“As you continue your mission under the leadership of Rear Adm. Bernacchi, your impressive commitment will be tested due to unknown and unforeseen challenges,” he concluded. “However, I know you will go forward and meet those challenges head on and be successful.”

Bernacchi, from Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, previously served as Commander, Naval Service Training Command. His previous command tours include the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) and was commodore of Submarine Squadron 4 in Groton, Connecticut.

He becomes the 19th commander of Submarine Group 10, which ensures Submarine Squadrons 16 and 20 and their assigned ballistic and guided-cruise missile submarines are properly manned, trained, equipped and certified to conduct decisive combat operations around the world.

“I cannot express how excited I am to be here,” Bernacchi said. “Team Kings Bay, I am so fortunate to join this great team and I look forward to working with you all.”

Commander, Submarine Group 10 is located at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, the homeport to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines.

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