USS Santa Fe Holds Change of Command
By MC2 Steven Khor
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 11/9/2012

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – A time-honored change of command ceremony was held at the Submarine Piers for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 9.

Capt. David A. Adams, commanding officer of Santa Fe, was relieved by Cmdr. Timothy J. Poe.

Guest speaker, retired Vice Adm. Albert H. Konetzni Jr., praised Adams for his exceptional performance while in command of Santa Fe.

“Dave, congratulations on your success in leading your superb team to extraordinary results,” said Konetzni.

Following his remarks, Adams was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2012.

Adams said he is proud of having the opportunity to command Santa Fe and working with some fantastic Sailors.

“The crewmembers are the ones who did it. They are the ones who made the ship run every day. They are the ones who take care of their shipmates, and made Santa Fe a great ship. I am proud to have been part of this team for the last 33 months. To the crew of Santa Fe, I have loved it. I loved sailing with you. I will miss that, but most important, I will miss you.”

Following Adams speech, he was presented with the commissioning pennant. The commissioning pennant, while not a personal flag of the ship’s commanding officer, is sometimes regarded as a symbol of that status. It is customarily presented to the commanding officer on the occasion of his relief.

As Poe assumed command of Santa Fe, he thanked Adams for turning over a great ship and an even greater crew.

“The Santa Fe crew embodies the honor, courage, and commitment that has made our submarine force, our Navy and our country great! I assure you, our future is bright,” said Poe.

Adams’ personal awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, as well as numerous unit awards.

Adams will report for duty to Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan.