SAN DIEGO – Capt. Brian Davies relieved Capt. Eugene Doyle as commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 11 during a pier side ceremony held aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) Feb. 12.
Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) Rear Adm. Frederick J. Roegge was the guest speaker and congratulated Doyle for his achievements as commodore of SUBRON 11.
“Under [Doyle’s] leadership, [SUBRON 11] has prepared for overseas deployment seven submarines that have conducted over 20 missions vital to national security,” said Roegge. “Commanding SUBRON 11 is a uniquely wonderful but challenging responsibility. Gene has a span of control that far exceeds that of most other SUBRON commodores. Although some might feel burdened by such broad and weighty responsibilities, leaders like Gene can only see opportunity. This impressive body of work and this impressive family have clearly marked the Doyles as ready for bigger challenges and greater opportunities.”
Roegge also remarked that Davies comes to SUBRON 11 with impressive credentials and many successes.
“It’s clear to me that submarines on Point Loma and submarine supporters in the community will soon join me as members of the Davies’ fan club,” he said. “The submarine force assigns only its very best officers to serve as commodore of Squadron 11. Brian Davies continues that trend; and Brian: I challenge you to continue its upward trajectory.”
Doyle thanked the men and women of SUBRON 11 for being instrumental to the squadron’s accomplishments.
“I have been blessed to have such a dedicated, resourceful, competent and selfless team,” he said. “Every day, these men and women dedicate themselves to the mission of manning, training and equipping our submarines and undersea rescue command. From providing daily mentorship and tutelage to filling manning gaps and deploying overseas, these folks continue to go above and beyond the call of duty.”
Under Doyle’s command, SUBRON 11 oversaw submarines deployed to the Arabian Gulf, the western and southern Pacific regions and the Arctic. In addition, the submarines completed six operational reactor safeguards examinations, three tactical readiness evaluations, three shipboard material inspections, two drydock availabilities, and five changes of homeport.
Roegge presented Doyle with the Legion of Merit medal.
Davies thanked Doyle for his thorough turnover and recognized him for time in command.
“Gene, you have turned over a fine institution at the leading edge in front-line operations, training, maintenance and submarine rescue,” he said. “You have built a strong staff in support of the waterfront and the future of the submarine force. I am in awe of what you have been able to accomplish, and I know that you have set me up for success.”
Doyle, a Mont. native, is scheduled to report to COMSUBPAC as the chief of staff.
Davies was commissioned in 1991 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.
Davies’ sea tours include service as a division officer aboard USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709), engineering officer aboard USS Nebraska (SSBN 739)(BLUE) and executive officer (XO) aboard USS Houston (SSN 713). Davies commanded USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) from 2009 to 2012, where he completed three deployments and a shipyard maintenance period.
Ashore, Davies served as an instructor for multiple courses at Naval Submarine School in Groton, Conn. In 2002, he transferred to Submarine Development Squadron 5 where he served as a detachment officer in charge and as squadron engineer. Upon completion of his XO tour, he was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the submarine officer distribution branch head and as the XO/post-XO detailer. Following his command of the submarine Jimmy Carter, Davies was assigned to the staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel in the Nuclear Propulsion Program Office and as the military assistant to the principal deputy under Secretary of Defense for policy.
SUBRON 11 is located at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego and consists of five Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarines, the floating drydock Arco (ARDM 5), and Undersea Rescue Command. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to these commands.