Cassias Relieves Sullivan as COMSUBPAC

Since 05-03-05
 

Excerpted from NSL Update 04-29-05

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) David Rush, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Jeffrey B. Cassias relieved Rear Adm. Paul F. Sullivan as Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

(COMSUBPAC) in a change of command ceremony aboard USS Pasadena (SSN 752) April 20.

Guest speaker, Adm. Walter F. Doran, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said Cassias is ready to take the helm of COMSUBPAC. "I look forward to working with you. I know that you are the right man to guide this command and this community," said Doran. "There will be challenges - perhaps great challenges, but I have the utmost confidence in your ability to lead this force."

Sullivan is retiring after 35 years of naval service. According to Sullivan, the Sailors in the submarine force have had a very special place in his life. "It isn't long before we find ourselves teaching others - passing on to our shipmates what we have been taught and improving it a little along the way," said Sullivan. "In that sense, we are part of a legacy. As I leave the Navy today, I leave knowing that this force is in excellent hands, and I leave deeply honored to have been a part of this legacy."

Shortly before 'going ashore,' Sullivan compared his angst as a junior officer, more than three decades ago, to the proud and confident fleet commander he became. "I'm overwhelmed at the responsibility I've had, and I'm deeply proud to be a part of such a great team," Sullivan added. "I am very honored that I was given such a wonderful opportunity to serve our nation."

Cassias said he is looking forward to taking charge of the Pacific Fleet submarine force. "I have been impressed by your professionalism and devotion to duty, and I look forward to working with you," Cassias told the crew. "The submarine force today is as relevant as it has ever been, particularly here in the Pacific. I have great faith in each and every one of you, and I am confident that you will rise to all of the exciting challenges that you will face during my tour."

As the COMSUBPAC commander, Sullivan was responsible for more than 9,300 Navy and civilian personnel, 25 nuclear-powered attack submarines, seven ballistic missile submarines, two guided-missile (SSGN) submarines, one support ship and one deep salvage rescue vessel. The homeports include Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Bangor, Wash.; San Diego; and Guam. While serving as commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet from August 2003, Sullivan was instrumental in implementing the SSGN program. The converted ballistic-missile submarines can accommodate up to 60 Special Forces personnel and a weapons payload of more than 150 Tomahawk missiles.

In October, the 'Silent Hammer' exercise off the coast of San Diego demonstrated how a network of ground forces sea-based on an SSGN can fill joint gaps in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and time-sensitive strikes by conducting a large scale clandestine operation using unmanned organic systems (unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles) to increase capabilities and reduce risk.

Cassias' previous assignment was as commander, Submarine Group 10; commander, Submarine Group 2; and Commander Navy Region Northeast. His sea tours have included USS Haddock (SSN 621), USS Parche (SSN 683), USS Hawkbill (SSN 666) and USS Puffer (SSN 652). He served as commanding officer of USS Birmingham (SSN 695) from April 1992 to November 1994.