Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719), held a change of command ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Jan. 16, where Cmdr. Tony Grayson relinquished command to Cmdr. Jason Grizzle.

Grayson led his crew through a lengthy shipyard dry-docking period followed by a challenging and short deployment preparation period before deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

During the deployment U.S. 5th Fleet leadership recognized Grayson and his crew for, "superb performance, exceptional professionalism, and unmatched dedication."

Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center Rear Adm. Jeff Trussler emphasized the importance of leadership while a submarine enters a maintenance period.

"We want the best to watch over our ships and bring them back to life and into operation again," said Trussler. "You have to train without the systems operational; you have to ride other ships for qualifications and some proficiency, and then you will have to go to sea and operate at the limit of every design feature. As fast as she will go, as deep as she will go, and test every switch, button and valve on the ship."

Grayson's fellow commanding officers also recognized his "ethical and team centered leadership" by selecting him as the Atlantic Fleet 2015 Vice Adm. Stockdale Leadership Award winner for his accomplishments while commanding Providence.

Grayson credits the crew's hard work with maintaining the Providence's readiness to deploy and mission effectiveness while on deployment.

"I'm most proud of Providence's performance over deployment," said Grayson. "Following a tough shipyard period, we had a very short deployment work-up. With two major maintenance periods, several inspections, and pre-deployment training, we still found time to repair and maintain the boat, carve out extra trainer time, and used every opportunity to perfect our skills as submariners so we could deploy on time."

Providence's hard work, readiness and proficiency resulted in the ship earning the Battle Efficiency "E" and Weapons "W" from Commander, Submarine Squadron 12.

Grayson reiterated that success is a team effort.

Everyone did their part and their performance was magnificent, according to Grayson.

Grayson's next tour of duty will be senior deputy, Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 5.

Grizzle, Providence's new commanding officer is reporting from the Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy, U.S. House of Representatives.

"I am honored for the opportunity to lead and mentor Sailors, and to train the future leaders of the submarine force," said Grizzle.

Grizzle said he looks forward to taking Providence back to sea following its current planned maintenance availability.

"With the assistance of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the crew and I are eager to return the ship to an operational status and carry on the successful history Providence has forged for more than 30 years," said Grizzle.

Trussler reaffirmed the importance of Grizzle's mission as Providence's new commanding officer.

"The Navy needs the absolute best to manage the complicated transition from where the ship is now, back to a frontline capital warship," said Trussler. "Commander Grizzle, you have a challenging job ahead, bring this ship back to life, get her tested and certified, and get her back to the front lines conducting our nation's business."

Fast-attack submarines like Providence are multimission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare - from open ocean anti-submarine warfare to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to projecting power ashore with Special Operations Forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises.

Providence was commissioned July 27, 1985 and is the 32nd Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine and the fifth U.S. Navy ship to be named for Providence, Rhode Island. Providence is 360 feet long with a beam of 33 feet.

For more news from Naval Submarine Support Center, New London , visit www.navy.mil/.