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Home : Media : News Admin
NEWS | May 11, 2018

USS Jefferson City Holds Change of Command

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shaun Griffin, Submarine Force Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR  - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) held a change of command ceremony at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, May 11.

 

Cmdr. Steven Dawley relieved Cmdr. Kevin Moller as the 14th commanding officer of Jefferson City.

 

The ceremony's guest speaker, Capt. Robert Roncska, commander of Submarine Squadron Seven, praised Moller for his leadership of Jefferson City through a long shipyard availability.

 

"The success of Kevin's tour is not measured in how effectively Jefferson City can shoot a torpedo or launch a tomahawk missile," said Roncska. "Jefferson City's success is built upon a foundation rooted in a culture focused on  people with high standards, which is essential for any organization to survive or succeed."

 

Moller thanked his crew for their support of his leadership and for their commitment to the success of Jefferson City.

 

"I have been incredibly lucky to have a great cast supporting me over the past few years," said Moller. "I am equally appreciative of each and every one of you for your toughness and perseverance."

 

Moller finished by quoting Thomas Jefferson from what we today call our State of the Union Address.

 

"Thomas Jefferson spoke of the need for a standing navy to be available for any need that arises, or in his language, for any exigence that calls," said Moller. "For the past 820 days while I have had the honor to be called your commanding officer, you have answered that call. Thank you."

 

During the ceremony, Roncska presented Moller with a Meritorious Service award for outstanding meritorious service as commanding officer from Feb. 2016 until May 2018.

 

Following his tour aboard Jefferson City, Moller will report to Naval Inspector General in Washington, D.C.

 

As Dawley assumed command of Jefferson City, he thanked Moller for turning over such a talented and motivated crew.

 

"Kevin, you have done a great job leading the Jefferson City team through a difficult time," said Dawley. "The tenacity of this crew is a credit to your leadership and I believe that you have done a lot of hard work that is going to end up making me look very good."

 

Commissioned Feb. 29, 1992, USS Jefferson City is the 48th ship of the Los Angeles class and is the only ship in Navy history named for the capital of the Show Me State.

 

For more news from the Pacific Submarine Force, visit www.csp.navy.mil.