Cmdr. Todd Santala relieved Cmdr. Bret Grabbe as commanding officer of Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) in a time-honored change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, April 15.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. William Merz, commander, Submarine Group 7, praised Grabbe and his crew for their exceptional performance on their accomplishments together.

"We have the luxury, challenge, or burden of tying each of our duties directly to the mission and directly to our survival; that is what strengthens our connective tissue as a community," said Merz. "Under Bret Grabbe, I have to imagine that connective tissue is very strong. A benefit of serving on submarines is that the crews are small and everyone knows everyone else, and because we are small, everyone matters. Every one of you Alexandria Sailors should be justifiably proud."

Following his remarks, Capt. Brian Davies, commander, Submarine Squadron 11, presented Grabbe with a Meritorious Service Medal (fourth award) for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from August 2013 to April 2016.

Grabbe reflected on his time in command and attributed the boat's success to his crew and their hard work.

"I have been fortunate enough over my career to participate in every type of mission submarines do around the globe," said Grabbe. "These opportunities allow me to work with some of America's finest people. To the crew: you have lived up to high standards. You are reliable and full of integrity. You are my Sailors and my family. I hope to meet you again in the future."

After Santala assumed command of Alexandria, he too recognized the quality of his new crew.

"To the officers, chiefs and crew of the Alexandria: together we will learn much about ourselves and each other as we carry on the long tradition excellence in submarine service," he said. "I stand here today ready to embark on a great adventure with you, protecting our families, our nation and democracy worldwide."

Grabbe, a native of Gales Ferry, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Kansas State University and was commissioned September 1996 at Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He holds a master's degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College, where he is an alumnus of the Gravely Group advanced research program. His other sea tours include USS Alaska (SSBN 732), USS Memphis (SSN 691) and USS Providence.

Grabbe is scheduled to report for duty to Commander, Submarine Squadron 12, Groton, Connecticut.
Santala, a native of Kalispell, Montana, earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Montana State University in 1998 and was commissioned in September from OCS.

His previous sea tours include USS Florida (SSN 728)(Blue), USS Miami (SSN 755), USS Texas (SSN 775) and USS Jacksonville (SSN 699).

USS Alexandria was commissioned June 29, 1991. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Alexandria has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Alexandria is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

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