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USS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Retires; Welcomes New CO Aboard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081213-17
Release Date: 12/13/2008 6:14:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Xander Gamble,
Commander Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The crew of USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) held a change-of-command ceremony Dec. 12 on Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 3.

Cmdr. Tyler Meador relieved Cmdr. John Kropcho III as commanding officer (CO) of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

Kropcho also retired, having served in the Navy for 20 years following four years at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Rear Adm. Bruce E. Grooms, commander, Submarine Group 2, served as the principle speaker at the ceremony.

"Jacksonville excelled in her first deployment in over five years," said Grooms. "You leave behind a legacy of dedication and success that few can equal."

Kropcho took Jacksonville through a four-and-a-half month modernization period after a nine-month refueling overhaul.

"We upgraded Jacksonville with about 20 years of technology in four-and-a-half months," said Kropcho. "It was very exciting seeing the ship take that quantum leap to the very front of the force from being at the very back. Although the ship is the same, it really felt like a new ship."

Kropcho led a very "green" crew on Jacksonville's deployment – more than 80 percent of the crew had never deployed before.

"The guys were just fantastic," said Kropcho. "They had a great attitude. They rolled up their sleeves and just did what they had to do to be successful. I could not be more proud of them and what they've done."

Kropcho's CO tour was his third aboard Jacksonville. He previously served as Jacksonville's executive officer, engineer officer, assistant engineer and chemistry/radiological controls assistant.

"The Jacksonville I went back to as XO (executive officer) was almost identical to the Jacksonville I had left as a junior officer," said Kropcho. "It was just like being home again."

Kropcho also completed sea tours aboard USS Phoenix (SSN 702) and USS Lapon (SSN 661), both of which he decommissioned, and USS Norfolk (SSN 714).

"It's been nothing but a dream-come-true," said Kropcho. "I am very excited for the future of Jacksonville under [Meador's] leadership going forward. By everything I can see, I think he is going to lead Jacksonville to bigger and better things."

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