USS La Jolla Holds Change of Command
By MC2 Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 02/19/2010

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – A change of command ceremony was held for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Friday, Feb. 19.
 
Cmdr. Jeff Bernard relieved Cmdr. Eric Burian as commanding officer of La Jolla.   
Guest speaker, Capt. Stanley M. Robertson, Commander, Submarine Squadron One, praised Burian for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from October 2009 to February 2010.

“Cmdr. Burian knows that developing a professional submarine crew demands a culture steeped in the highest standards and a thorough understanding of the ship and mission,” said Robertson. “For a commanding officer to develop this culture, requires a constant, uncompromising focus on fundamentals, demanding standards, a thorough professional knowledge of the mission and continuous vigilance. What you have done is important to ensure the nation can deploy this submarine in support of our national defense strategy.”

Burian reflected on his time spent in command and the accomplishments of the crew.

“I cannot begin to capture the pride I feel in having had the precious opportunity to lead this indomitable crew. They kept the focus on successful execution of every milestone task and took this submarine across this historic harbor to regain its proper station as a ship of the line in the Pacific Submarine Fleet.”

As Cmdr. Bernard assumed command of La Jolla, he acknowledged the quality of the crew he was inheriting.

“For the men of the mighty warship La Jolla, I have been impressed with your motivation and can-do attitude since checking onboard,” said Bernard. “As we transition to a deployment ready submarine, there will be new challenges and demands, much to learn and much to master, and I will expect great things from you.”

Burian is a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Naval Academy with the class of 1989 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He completed the submarine nuclear power training pipeline following commissioning.

His sea tours include USS Boston (SSN 703), USS Georgia (SSGN 729) and USS Los Angeles (SSN 688). His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) in addition to various other unit awards.