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USS Virginia Changes Commanders

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS130215-10
2/15/2013

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Sailors, friends and family members attended the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774) change of command ceremony at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Feb. 15 to bid farewell and welcome the submarine's newest commanding officer.

Cmdr. Tim Salter turned over command of USS Virginia to Cmdr. Steven Antcliff during the time-honored ceremony. Capt. Michael Bernacchi, chief of staff, Commander, Submarine Group 2, the featured guest speaker, emphasized the impact of Salter's command tour of the first submarine in her class.

'Truly great day to celebrate and recognize a national hero and I congratulate you on a fantastic tour,' said Bernacchi, as he bid farewell to the Salter family and welcomed the Antcliffs.

Salter, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., led the submarine in achieving several accolades to include the 2010 Battle Efficiency 'E', Communication 'C', and the Navigation 'N' for operational excellence awards.

Salter reflected on his command tour of USS Virginia.

'Being a commanding officer is a personal endeavor and it's been an honor to serve as your commanding officer,' said Salter, who reflected on turning over command to Antcliff. 'This turnover has been so easy because I'm turning it over to the right man, gentlemen, you are being placed in very capable leadership.'

Salter also bid farewell to his crew recognizing the entire crew for their stalwart commitment and dedication to the Virginia.

'Thanks to the great crew of USS Virginia,' said Salter. 'I will miss being the commanding officer of USS Virginia.'

Following his command tour, Salter will serve as military deputy chief for Operations Strategic Command.
Previous to assuming command of USS Virginia, Antcliff attended the Naval War College. Antcliff reflected the assumption of command.

'To the crew of USS Virginia and your families, I look forward to meeting the challenges of the future with all of you,' said Antcliff. 'In our line of work, it is the people who make the difference, and I'm blessed to have such an outstanding crew as I take command.'

Antcliff bestowed accolades to Salter praising him for his leadership while in command of the Virginia-class attack submarine.

'I must recognize the man of the hour,' Antcliff said during his speech. 'For all of your hard work, leadership and dedication, Tim, I thank you. I will be reaping the rewards of those efforts throughout my tour.'

Virginia consisting of a crew of 13 officers and 121 enlisted personnel is the first in her class of the technologically-advanced attack submarines. She was commissioned Oct. 23, 2004.

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