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Submarine Group 10 Changes Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110805-26
8/5/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) James Kimber

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. (select) Joseph Tofalo relieved Rear Adm. Barry Bruner as battle commander of the Atlantic Fleet's Ohio-class ballistic missile and guided-missile submarines, Submarine Group 10 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Aug. 5.

Tofalo, a 1983 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, becomes the 14th commander of the submarine group and is excited about working with the Kings Bay personnel Bruner boasted to him about.

"[My wife, Suzanne,] and I are thrilled to be here, and more than anything we look forward to working with the fantastic Kings Bay team," Tofalo said. "Every two weeks the combined efforts of the submarine squadrons and their ships and crews, the submarine base, Trident Refit Facility, Trident Training Facility, Naval Submarine Support Command and Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic generate another unit ready to deploy. This happens as a result of some incredible team work, and I couldn't be prouder to now be a part of this impressive team."

Among the numerous accomplishments Submarine Group 10 and the Kings Bay submarine community achieved, Bruner said knowing the submarines in Kings Bay were always ready to put ordnance on target when tasked was the most important. USS Florida (SSGN 728) proved this during Operation Odyssey Dawn.

During Operation Odyssey Dawn, Florida launched more than 90 Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAM) marking the first time a guided-missile submarine launched Tomahawks in conflict.

"That is what the mission is here in Kings Bay and I think the ships have more than proven themselves ready," Bruner said. "Any success we have had in Kings Bay is a result of the Kings Bay team that everyone is a part of. From the teller at the commissary to the 10 serving major commanders, they are all part of the team and it is that team that makes everything work."

As the commander of Submarine Group 10, Bruner also led the Women in Submarines Task Force.

Implementing the policy change began by assigning 24 female officers to the submarine force. Eight different crews of guided-missile (SSGNs) and ballistic-missile (SSBNs) submarines, including four crews in Kings Bay, will be integrated with three female officers each.

"It is important to note that the percentage of women graduating with technically-based degrees in our country has risen to the point where females now make up 51-percent of the total talent pool of young Americans we can recruit to enter our submarine force in the nuclear-trained officer community," Bruner said. "With the conversion of four ballistic-missile submarines to guided-missile submarines, women now have the opportunity for both forward deployed strike and strategic deterrent operational experience.

"Integration will include female officers assigned to ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines, since officer accommodations on these submarines have more available space and will require minimal modification," Bruner explained. "Additionally, the plan integrates female supply corps officers onto ballistic-missile submarines and guided-missile submarines at the department-head level. These officers will provide mentorship to the new female officers in addition to bringing shipboard experience to their department head jobs."

Playing a key role in ensuring the integration of submarines may rank among Bruner's greatest accomplishments in his Navy career. Bruner, however, remains as humble as one could expect of a man who believes his previous crews' Battle Efficiency awards are his greatest personal achievements.

"More than anything I will miss the people," the Arizona State grad said of his time in Kings Bay. "Each and every member here has a part in the bigger picture. Their words and actions matter, and I will miss them all greatly."

Bruner leaves the southern Georgia coast to move to Washington, D.C., taking his position as Director, Submarine Warfare Division in the Pentagon.

"It is a pleasure to be able to continue to serve in our Navy and in particular - our submarine force. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to do so and treasure every day that I have the opportunity," Bruner said.

Submarine Group Ten is located at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. and is the Nation's pre eminent provider of sea-based strategic deterrence, strike and unique Ohio-class guided-missile submarine special operations capabilities.