PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Command of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Charlotte was passed today, May17, as Cmdr. Andrew T. Miller, commanding officer of Charlotte, was relieved by Cmdr. Timothy J. Yanik during a time-honored ceremony at the historic submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Guest speaker retired Adm. Kirkland H. Donald, former director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, praised Miller for his exceptional leadership.
"The CO's job is to make their ships ready to go to sea, and take the fight to the enemy," said Donald. "Drew Miller has done exactly that."
"Teams need great quarterbacks, and that's Drew Miller," said Donald. "He's demonstrated all attributes of a successful leader; Competence, integrity, toughness and stamina."
Miller said he was honored to have the opportunity to command Charlotte and stressed the important role teamwork played in Charlotte's success.
"I challenge anyone to find a team of officers and crew who are more resilient and are as capable of the relentless pursuit of getting the mission accomplished while continuing to maintain their positive attitudes throughout it all," said Miller.
As Yanik assumed command of Charlotte he addressed the crew about the command's future.
"To the men of Charlotte, in the past year, both on deployment and prior, you have had a tumultuous schedule with numerous challenges," said Yanik. "You have not only endured, but have become stronger. I look forward to what the future holds and the challenges we will face."
Yanik has completed two overseas deployments in support of U.S. submarine operations in the Pacific and European Commands that included Tomahawk missile strikes in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also completed two strategic deterrent patrols and served with submarine crews who collectively earned four unit awards and two Battle Efficiency awards.
Charlotte is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of the North Carolina city. Commissioned on September 16, 1994, at Norfolk, Va., the 360-foot long, 6,900-ton displacement submarine arrived at its new homeport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Nov. 17, 1995.
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