Cmdr. Jason Weed relieved Cmdr. Sean Fujimoto as commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) during a change of command ceremony held onboard the submarine at U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut, April 13.

Capt. David Roberts, commanding officer, Submarine Learning Center, was the guest speaker.

"We are here today to witness a change of command ceremony which is a formal ceremony and full of tradition," said Roberts. "In fact, it is required by Navy Regulations dating back to the Civil War. In the presence of her officers and crew, you will see the formal turnover of command from Cmdr. Sean Fujimoto to Cmdr. Jason Weed. Sean, I have no doubt that you have endeared yourself to your crew and it will be hard to leave them, having poured your heart and soul into their success. But you should rest easy knowing that your good nature and sense of humor have left an impression on them that they will likely never forget. More importantly, you have served them as their captain and for that you should be very proud!

"Cmdr. Weed, as you now take the helm of this extraordinary ship and her crew, I wish you all the best. There will be no more rewarding and no more challenging job than this - command at sea. Cherish every minute of this because before you know it you will be passing the torch to your relief and looking back wondering where the time went. May God bless this ship and her crew!"

In a naval message, Vice Adm. Michael Connor, commander, Submarine Forces, stated, "Sean, congratulations on a great job commanding USS New Hampshire. You shaped the New Hampshire team into a cohesive warfighting unit and successfully conducted an impressive range of submarine operations. You expertly led your crew through a successful European Command Deployment, completing missions vital to national security while demonstrating the tremendous stealth and endurance of our newest submarine class. Well done!"

Fujimoto became the third commanding officer of USS New Hampshire when he assumed command December 17, 2012. He enlisted in the Navy following graduation from Westover Senior High School in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1988. While successfully completing Nuclear Field "A" School as an electronics technician and Naval Nuclear Power School, he was selected to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. Fujimoto then went on to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.

"New Hampshire is one of the most complex machines ever built, but that is not the reason for our successes," said Fujimoto. "Our accomplishments were only realized through the crew's expertise, drive and ability to execute under the most challenging circumstances. While there was some amount of luck involved, it is truly impressive that you were able to keep the ship at sea during our last deployment for 176 days out of 184. That's an unprecedented 95% operational tempo executing missions vital to national security with no days lost due to material issues.

"It has been an incredible and fulfilling experience serving with such dedicated and professional submariners. The most rewarding aspect of my command tour has been watching the officers and crew realize success, professionally, personally and as a team. , I am honored and feel extremely privileged to have served as your commanding officer. Thank you. "Live free or die."

Fujimoto will next report to the Director, Undersea Warfare on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.

Weed enlisted in the Navy following graduation from Northwestern Lehigh High School in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania, in 1990. While serving onboard USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630B) as a fire control technician (ballistic) he completed his qualification in Submarines and was selected to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

"Sean, thank you for the ship and crew that you have turned over to me today," said Weed. "It is truly impressive what New Hampshire has accomplished under your command. The success and the fighting spirit you have instilled in the "Granite Ghost" is a direct reflection of the dedication and leadership you have provided. I would also like to thank you for the time we spent underway together during turnover. The insights you have shared with me, not only of the Virginia-class submarine, but command in general, will prove invaluable. I promise to take good care of New Hampshire and work hard to build on the impressive legacy that you established."

New Hampshire was commissioned in October 2008 and was the fifth ship in the Virginia class and the first Block II submarine. The third ship named in honor of the Granite State, New Hampshire enables 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 missions.

The crew of more than 130 Sailors can operate the 377-foot-long vessel at depths greater than 800 feet and speeds in excess of 25 knots when submerged.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.