Naval Submarine Support Center, New London (NSSC NLON), held a change of command ceremony at the Submarine Force Library and Museum aboard the historic ship Nautilus, Oct. 7.

Cmdr. Brian Nowak relieved Cmdr. Michael Burianek as NSSC NLON commanding officer.

"During your tenure, you consistently delivered outstanding warfighting readiness and support to 22 submarines and four major commanders from Groton, Connecticut, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire," said Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo via personal message. "Your efforts were instrumental in keeping our northeast region warfighters ready to meet all operational objectives."

Burianek thanked his father, "He provided me his character, tenacity and love of helping Sailors."

He went on to thank his mother, who he said was his rock and first pushed him to consider joining the Navy and his brothers Joe and Dennis, who were always there to keep him grounded.

Closer to home, Burianek said how proud he was of his son Jon who couldn't be at the ceremony because of his college schedule. He finished thanking his family by telling his wife Connie.

"You have supported me my entire career," he said. "You have kept the home fires burning while I have gallivanted around the globe. I could not have done it without you."

Burianek said he was blessed with a great staff at NSSC and nothing accomplished in his time as commanding officer could have been accomplished without them.

Burianek closed his speech by telling Nowak, "I cannot think of any one better to take NSSC to the next level. I think you will be impressed with how hard this team works to keep the submarines at sea."

Nowak thanked his parents and his in-laws for their support, before turning to those "closest to my heart, for you have borne the brunt of this Navy life-journey over the last 20 years."

He thanked and praised his sons Patrick and Matthew, and his daughter Olivia.

Nowak told his wife, Amy, "Words cannot describe my gratitude for your strength and never-ending love and support."

Nowak closed his speech by addressing his new command.

"I am in awe of your professionalism and dedication to our mission," he said. "Let's go fourth and do great things together. God bless team New London and God bless America.

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