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USS Santa Fe Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121109-20
11/9/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A time-honored change of command ceremony was held at the Submarine Piers for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 9.

Capt. David A. Adams was relieved by Cmdr. Timothy J. Poe as commanding officer of Santa Fe.

Guest speaker, retired Vice Adm. Albert H. Konetzni Jr., praised Adams for his exceptional performance while in command of Santa Fe.

"Dave, congratulations on your success in leading your superb team to extraordinary results," said Konetzni.

Following his remarks, Adams was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2012.

Adams said he is proud of having the opportunity to command Santa Fe and working with some fantastic Sailors.

"The crewmembers are the ones who did it. They are the ones who made the ship run every day. They are the ones who take care of their shipmates, and made Santa Fe a great ship. I am proud to have been part of this team for the last 33 months. To the crew of Santa Fe, I have loved it. I loved sailing with you. I will miss that, but most important, I will miss you," said Adams.

Following Adams' speech, he was presented with the commissioning pennant. The commissioning pennant, while not a personal flag of the ship's commanding officer, is sometimes regarded as a symbol of that status. It is customarily presented to the commanding officer on the occasion of his relief.

As Poe assumed command of Santa Fe, he thanked Adams for turning over a great ship and an even greater crew.

"The Santa Fe crew embodies the honor, courage, and commitment that has made our submarine force, our Navy and our country great! I assure you, our future is bright," said Poe.

Adams will report for duty to Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.