Commander, Submarine Force Change of Command Makes 'Wildest Dreams' Come True

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Monique Meeks, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo relieved Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor as Commander, Submarine Forces in a change of command ceremony aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) in Norfolk, Virginia, Sept. 11.

"I'm very proud of where the submarine force is today and where it's headed for the future, but the success that we enjoy today is certainly not because of me. I oversaw some incremental improvements to a foundation that was built by my predecessors, many of whom are here today," said Connor. "Because of all of you, I'm turning over a force that is safer, more reliable and more forward-leaning than the one I inherited - and the force I inherited was pretty darn good."

Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, were guest speakers during the ceremony.

"Mike brilliantly empowered this exquisitely capable submarine force in a truly sublime manner - right at the core - making them ready to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea, both today and tomorrow," said Davidson. "Mike also oversaw the successful integration of enlisted women into submarines, ensuring that we recruit the best, brightest and most determined warriors from the entirety of America."

Since taking command of the submarine force in September 2012, Vice Adm. Connor played a pivotal role in the future of the force.

"Mike has seen a tectonic shift in the landscape of the submarine force in the last 36 years," said Haney. "While the force has undergone change, Mike has sustained excellence in operations while increasing the safety in operations.

"His dedication in leading the men and women of the submarine force has tremendously improved the force's capability. As a staunch advocate of strategic deterrence, he has increased the life of our aging ballistic-missile submarine force and has refined the effort of our Sailors in continuing to maintain their operations. Mike's efforts and those of Vice Adm. Tofalo, have gotten our Ohio Class Replacement Program on track and have kept it on track," continued Haney.

"His legacy in this effort will continue. As a brilliant strategist, he has made a difference in the force's operations, as well as with our most vital resource - our Sailors. His Undersea Dominance Campaign Plan and the Undersea Rapid Capability Initiative has positioned the U.S. Navy to sustain and advance its undersea dominance through the next generation, and keep the best submarine force in the world reigning supreme."

A native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Vice Adm. Connor graduated from Bowdoin College in 1980. He is a Mahan Scholar and distinguished graduate of the Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs and Strategic Studies. Following completion of his initial nuclear power and submarine training, he served aboard USS Ulysses S. Grant (SSBN 631), USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), USS Providence (SSN 719), and USS Augusta (SSN 710).

Connor commanded USS Seawolf (SSN 21) from 1997 to 2000. He served as Commander, Submarine Squadron 8 from March 2003 through July 2004. From June 2008 until April 2010, he served as commander, Submarine Group 7, Task Force 54/74 Yokosuka, Japan.

Connor's shore assignments include service at the Navy Operational Intelligence Center; Flag Secretary for the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor for U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He has served on the Joint Staff, on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and as director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87); director, Naval Warfare Integration Group (N00X); and assistant deputy chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems (N9B) on the OPNAV staff.

"It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you and alongside you," said Connor. "I am so happy to finish my tour in the Navy in this job, on this staff, with so many family and friends present. I know Joe Tofalo well, I think I had a fair amount of influence in the fact that he is my relief, and he is the perfect person to follow me and take the force to the next level of performance."

Vice Adm. Joe Tofalo will continue not only the legacy of Vice Adm. Connor, but also that of his parents. His father was a 35-year career naval officer and his mother a Navy WAVE, one of the first enlisted women in the Navy.

In his introductory remarks, Tofalo shared his happiness for taking on his new role through a lighthearted story.

"I was sitting having a cup of coffee with Suzanne this morning and I said to her, 'Honey, did you ever think in your wildest dreams, that you and I would return as commander, Submarine Forces?' And of course, Suzanne, always one to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, not skipping a beat, says to me, 'Joe, what makes you think for a minute that you are in any of my wildest dreams?' Like I said, Suzanne is always one to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground and we are thrilled that those feet are planted right here in Norfolk, Virginia."

Tofalo grew up in upstate New York and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He also holds a master's in Engineering Management from Catholic University of America.

A career submarine officer, Tofalo's at-sea assignments include USS Flasher (SSN 613), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), and USS Montpelier (SSN 765). His at-sea command assignments were as commanding officer of USS Maine (SSBN 741) and commander, Submarine Squadron 3.

Tofalo's staff assignments include three assignments on Commander, Submarine Forces staff; two assignments on Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces staff; four assignments on the Chief of Naval Operations staff; U.S. Joint Forces Command; and the Joint Staff.

Selected for rear admiral in December 2009, his first flag assignment was as deputy chief of staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations (N3B), U.S. Fleet Forces Command. In August 2011, he relieved as commander, Submarine Group 10 and in December 2013 as director, Undersea Warfare on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in the Pentagon.

Vice Adm. Tofalo expressed his gratitude to Vice. Adm. Connor and his wife, Kate, for leaving him with the greatest submarine force on the planet. He also thanked his shipmates, friends, and family.

"Suzanne, we've come a long way since USS Flasher and that little apartment at the end of the fishing pier," said Tofalo in closing. "I can tell you that my wildest dreams would not have been possible without you."

Norfolk Submarine Squadrons Consolidate

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Two Norfolk-based submarine squadrons consolidated during a ceremony aboard Naval Station Norfolk, April 28.

During the ceremony, Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 8 consolidated under Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 6, and Capt. Frank Cattani, commander, COMSUBRON 8, transferred his leadership role to Capt. Eugene P. Sievers, commander, COMSUBRON 6.

COMSUBRON 6 will be the immediate superior in command for the six Los Angeles-class attack submarines home ported in Norfolk: USS Albany (SSN 753), USS Boise (SSN 764), USS Montpelier (SSN 765), USS Newport News (SSN 750), USS Norfolk (SSN 714), and USS Scranton (SSN 756).

The COMSUBRON 6 staff will be responsible for preparing and certifying their submarines and crews for operations and warfighting in support of the Combatant Commanders' objectives.

COMSUBRON 8 was originally commissioned in February 1946 in Groton, Conn. It was decommissioned in December 1969 and re-commissioned in August 1979 in Norfolk, where it has remained until the consolidation.

"It is a great day for the Navy and the submarine force, and I am honored and privileged to be here to speak and recognize these two superb officers," said Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (COMSUBLANT). "The ceremony today is unique. With command at sea comes absolute responsibility, authority, and accountability. It is a tradition that predates even our Navy, and is unremitting. Whenever we try to dilute or diffuse it, the sea bites back, reminding us that there is no room for ambiguity, unpreparedness, wastefulness, or dishonesty.

"This is the world that Commodore Cattani has lived in, thrived in, and excelled in - not only as a commander himself, but a trainer of command. Captain Cattani assumed command of Squadron Eight in July 2009, and he has been spectacular in everything a commodore should do. Most importantly, he taught his men and his commanding officers to establish and maintain the high standards required to safely and effectively operate a submarine for months with no external support. In doing so, he always kept his main focus on our Sailors, officers, and their families," said Richardson.

Richardson presented Cattani his second Legion of Merit award for superior leadership and tireless dedication in significantly contributing to the combat readiness and unparalleled performance of submarines during North Atlantic and Arctic deployments.

Cattani earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Cornell University in 1986 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. His next duty assignment will be on the COMSUBLANT staff, as the director for training, tactical development and doctrine.

"My tour over the past 22 months has been an extraordinary experience for me," said Cattani. "It is the assignment that I asked for, and it has certainly lived up to expectations. As evidenced by recent world events, the demand signal for our submarines to perform relevant, challenging missions on short notice remains high and will continue to remain high in the foreseeable future. The crews of our Norfolk-based submarines train continuously to hone their operational skills and work constantly to keep their submarines well-maintained so that, when called upon, they will be ready and able to arrive on scene, and demonstrate the stealthy, resilience, mission capability and, if necessary, the firepower that are our force's trademark.

"I have been privileged to work with some very talented commanding officers, and my tour as commodore has led me to reaffirm my opinion that submarine command is the hardest job in the Navy. I'm always impressed with the ability of our submarine commanders to guide their crews through a variety of personnel issues, logistical, complications and scheduling conflicts, and to keep training, material and personnel readiness at the top of the priority list.

"My job was made easy by a dedicated, multi-talented staff, while overseeing the operational readiness of our boats. I've enjoyed the privilege of leading Submarine Squadron 8. It's been a challenging and professionally rewarding assignment."

Sievers graduated from West Virginia University in 1987, and received his commission through the Nuclear Power Commissioning Program. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology. A native of Johnstown, Pa, Sievers assumed command of COMSUBRON 6 in September 2010.

"Consolidating commands is a new experience for me but the traditional transfer of command authority and responsibility is both important and familiar," said Sievers. "The consolidation represents an effort to improve efficiency while maintaining the level of training and readiness support that we provide our assigned units.

"As we move forward under the consolidated command structure, it will require close teamwork and strong communication. We will miss the presence but remember the legacy of Submarine Squadron Eight as we strive to meet the impressive record of submarine warfighting readiness earned by Commodore Cattani's team," said Sievers.

USS Newport News Deploys

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) departed on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment from Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 21.

While deployed, the crew of Newport News will execute the chief of naval operation's maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations.

Newport News is commanded by Cmdr. J. Carl Hartsfield, who became the submarine's 11th commanding officer April 20, 2010.

"Newport News Sailors are ready to execute the tasking directed by our operational commander and visit foreign nations as ambassadors of American good will," said Hartsfield. "We have worked tirelessly for over a year against accelerated training and maintenance schedules to give the nation a full deployment. The crew is well-trained and prepared.

"Our families have sacrificed much and supported us during this arduous work-up period. Family separation is never easy, but they are also prepared for the deployment because they are emotionally strong and informed. They understand that we have jobs important to our country that unfortunately require our absence," said Hartsfield.

Fast-attack submarines like Newport News have multi-faceted missions. They use their stealth, persistence, agility and firepower to deploy and support special force operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

Newport News has a crew complement of 15 officers and 127 enlisted. The submarine, the eighth ship to bear the name of the Virginia shipbuilding city, is 360 feet long, displaces 6,900 tons of water, and can travel in excess of 20 knots.

For more information on the submarine force visit the Submarine Force web site at www.sublant.navy.mil.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/sublant/.