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Submarine Group 2 Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080322-02
Release Date: 3/22/2008 9:28:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Steven Myers, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Group 2 held a change of command ceremony March 21 at Naval Submarine Base New London.

Rear Adm. Cecil Haney turned over command of Submarine Group 2 to Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms.

Haney set the course for Submarine Group 2 through supervision of five Atlantic fast-attack submarine squadrons, two Submarine Support Centers, as well as the training and certification of new construction and overhaul ships and crews in three East Coast shipyards during his tour as the operational commander.

"As the operational commander for all fast-attack submarines on the East Coast, Haney's insightful vision, unyielding drive and enthusiasm led to a profound impact on all the important issues facing today's Submarine Force," said Vice Adm. John Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force.

Haney thanked more than 200 distinguished guests and submarine family members, singling out three members of the "Centennial 7." They share the honor with Haney and Grooms as the first black submariners to command a submarine during the first 100 years of the Submarine Force's existence. Haney gave credit to the submariners who maintain the daily operations in the Submarine Force.

"I have clearly had the best and brightest of today's Navy," said Haney. "All my successes are due to their hard work and dedicated efforts."

Haney's next tour of duty will be as Submarine Warfare Division director in Washington, D.C.

Grooms was hopeful that the foundation laid by Haney would continue, allowing the Submarine Group 2 staff to further the objectives of the Submarine Force.

"There is a big smile on my face," said Grooms, "not only coming back to Groton, the 'Submarine capital of the world,' but also being back in command."

Grooms previously served as Submarine Warfare Division director, USS Ashville (SSN 758) commanding officer and Submarine Squadron 6 commander.

Grooms graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, graduating with distinction. He also attended Stanford University as a National Security Affairs Fellow.

For more news from Naval Submarine Base New London, visit www.navy.mil/local/subasenlon/.