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USS San Juan Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090309-19
Release Date: 3/9/2009 9:59:00 PM

By Mass Comunication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- USS San Juan (SSN 751) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London's Shepherd of the Sea chapel March 6.

Cmdr. Oliver Lewis assumed command from Cmdr. Mike Martin.

During Martin's tour as commanding officer, San Juan completed a deployment to the U.S. Central and European Command Areas of Responsibility which included three highly successful missions in support of interests vital to national security and provided an operational working environment to train Naval Academy midshipmen during the summer of 2007. Additionally San Juan was awarded the 2007 Submarine Development Squadron 12 Battle Efficiency award.

"Martin is not just another commander," said guest speaker Capt. Robert Burke, Submarine Development Squadron 12 commodore. "Today he joins the elite group of officers who have successfully commanded warships."

Martin attributed his command philosophy – competence, commitment and character – to the success of his crew, saying that they, as the heartbeat of the ship, applied the philosophy to everything they did.

"They are a tested and trusted crew," Martin said as he gave his last order to the crew. "I order you to support Commander Lewis as you have supported me."

Martin will next serve as the Commander Submarine Group 2 shipyard representative at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.

"There is no one more qualified to continue San Juan's legacy of pride and professionalism," said Burke of Lewis.

Lewis, a native of Baton Rouge, La., has previously served as executive officer of USS Newport News (SSN 750) and holds a master of science degree in engineering management from the Catholic University of America. He also graduated from Boston University in 1991 with a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics.

"The course ahead is clear, and I look forward to the journey," said Lewis.

USS San Juan (SSN 751), a Los Angeles-class submarine homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, is the third ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for San Juan, Puerto Rico. Its keel was laid Aug. 9, 1985 and was launched Dec. 6, 1986. It was commissioned on Aug. 6, 1988.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.