The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) celebrated the latest milestone in its return to service with a crew split and change of command ceremony Sept. 17 at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia.

Cmdr. Nirav Patel, from Chicago, who served as commanding officer of Rhode Island’s Blue Crew, followed by its Green Crew during its Engineered Refueling Overhaul (ERO), was relieved by Cmdr. Jeremy Miller, as commanding officer of the Blue Crew and Cmdr. Jason Anderson, assumed command of the Gold Crew.

Patel assumed command of Rhode Island in July 2015, and said he is looking forward to seeing what the crew will achieve in the future and proud of what they accomplished during their ERO.

“Most people talk about how great the crew is, but you took it to a whole new level,” Patel said. “You came together and showed mental toughness and resilience to meet and exceed our timeline. I challenged you to execute at levels that others could not and you delivered. Today is not just about a change of command, but a chance to recognize what you have done.”

Rhode Island completed its 33-month ERO in August at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, during which the crew shifted to one Green Crew. The ceremony also celebrated the crew being split into its traditional Blue and Gold Crews.

Patel recognized he did not complete a successful ERO on his own, including the vital support of friends and families.  

“I will never be able to repay the Rhode Island families,” Patel said. “You truly serve in a way that does not get enough credit. You have my deepest appreciation and respect.”

Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Group 10, spoke at the ceremony and stressed the importance of getting Rhode Island certified and back to sea.

“You fight our country’s number one mission,” Jablon said. “Strategic deterrence is our highest priority yet you make up only six percent of our nation’s Navy. You operate 25 percent of the Navy’s warships and 70 percent of our nation’s accountable nuclear weapons. This is your charge.”

Jablon lauded Patel on his leadership throughout his command.

“Cmdr. Patel knew the importance of efficiently completing the overhaul and getting Rhode Island back to service,” Jablon said. “Commanding a submarine during a major overhaul and bringing that ship back to operation is a daunting task. However, there is a right person for every task and he stepped up to the challenge, performing flawlessly.”

Rhode Island’s overhaul began in December 2015 and included numerous upgrades and is expected to extend its service life for another 20 years. After successfully completing sea trials, Rhode Island returned to Kings Bay Sept. 12, marking the submarine's first appearance in its homeport in nearly two and a half years.

Miller, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, joins Rhode Island from Bureau of Naval Personnel where he served as the submarine non-nuclear enlisted community manager. His previous assignments include a tour as executive officer of the USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Blue).

Anderson, a native of Riverdale, Georgia, joins the boat from Commander, Submarine Group 10, where he served as the operations and material readiness department head as well as the special assistant for emergency planning. His previous assignments include a tour as executive officer of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Gold).

Patel reminded both crews of the tasks still awaiting Rhode Island as it prepares to return to strategic service, including a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation (DASO) required to certify the weapons system and commence strategic missions.

“I look forward to seeing your future successes,” Patel said. “Now, I get to watch you bring Rhode Island to the starting lineup. I hope you continue to set records on the road back to being a strategic asset.”

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