SANTA RITA, Guam - Capt. David Schappert relieved Capt. Jeffrey Grimes as commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 15 during a ceremony at SUBRON 15 on Polaris Point June 20.
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) Rear Adm. Frederick Roegge was the guest speaker for the ceremony and discussed the importance of submarine forces in Guam.
“Guam is the tip of the spear,” said Roegge. “The challenges you face are unique and demanding, and the missions you accomplish are some of the most vital to our country. The success of the team depends on the strong leadership at the helm and the commitment of the team. Jeff, you and your team can be justifiably proud of all that has been accomplished during your time in command.”
Roegge also remarked that Schappert comes to SUBRON 15 with impressive credentials.
“Only the most talented and capable submarine officers serve as commodore of Squadron 15,” he said. “David, I’m glad to have you back in Guam and in charge of such a vital command. I have all the confidence in the world you will continue Jeff’s legacy and the success of our submarine force here.”
Roegge presented Grimes with a Legion of Merit for his impressive leadership of the Navy’s only forward-deployed submarine squadron.
Grimes thanked the men and women of SUBRON 15 for being instrumental to SUBRON 15’s accomplishments throughout his tenure.
“Everything we accomplish is thanks to my dedicated, resourceful and talented team,” he said. “Every day, these men and women go above and beyond the call of duty to meet our mission of manning, training and equipping our submarines, from providing mentorship to filling manning gaps and operating forward.”
Grimes has led SUBRON 15 for approximately two years, during which Guam welcomed its fourth submarine, USS Topeka (SSN 754), and its second submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Under Grimes’ command, SUBRON 15 oversaw and supported submarines operating forward within the 7th Fleet area of operations. He developed an innovative rotational plan for Guam submarines, improving the operational and material readiness of the units while maximizing SUBRON 15’s ability to respond to theater tasking and balancing quality of life for Sailors and their families. Grimes oversaw upgrades to Guam’s waterfront support including improvements to infrastructure and force protection. He also promoted strong relationships between naval forces on Guam and the local community by participating in the sister village program, organizing outreach and cooperative events and maintaining close ties with the Guam Chamber of Commerce.
Schappert praised Grimes for the squadron’s success and thanked him for turning over a great command. He discussed his excitement for the years ahead.
“For the Sailors of Team 15, my goal is for us to be the most feared and respected undersea warriors in the Pacific,” said Schappert. “I pledge to you that I will bring my best every day to achieve this task. I humbly ask you to do the same.”
Schappert’s sea tours include service as engineer officer aboard USS William H. Bates (SSN 680), executive officer aboard USS Honolulu (SSN 718) and commanding officer of USS Houston (SSN 713) out of Guam. His shore assignments include serving on the staff of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff as the operations directorate and on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as deputy director of the Operational Support Division. He joins SUBRON 15 from Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Reactors Line Locker as the Special Assistant for Fleet Operations and the Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor.
Grimes will remain in Guam and head to Joint Region Marianas (JRM) as the chief of staff.
SUBRON 15 is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam in Santa Rita, Guam, and consists of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support to these commands. Also based out of Naval Base Guam are submarine tenders USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit http://www.csp.navy.mil/css15 and https://www.facebook.com/SubmarineSquadron15/.