Virginia-Class Submarine USS Texas Holds Change of Command

A time-honored change of command ceremony was held for the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) at the submarine piers on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wed. Feb. 1.

Cmdr. Robert Roncska, commanding officer of Texas was relieved by Cmdr. Andrew Hertel.

Guest speaker, former First Lady of the United States and ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Laura Bush praised Roncska, a native of Dunkirk, N.Y. and former naval aide to the president of the United States from 2006 to 2008, for his exceptional performance while commanding Texas as well as the crew on their accomplishments under Roncska’s leadership.

“USS Texas embodies the very best ideals of her namesake state; endurance, courage, loyalty and quiet strength. Nowhere are these virtues more visible than in her crew,” said Bush. “Today we thank Cmdr. Roncska for his outstanding service and leadership as the commander of Texas. I see what the crew of the USS Texas knows well, that he is a great officer and a natural leader.”

Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms, Assistant Deputy, Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5B) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, also spoke to the assembled crowd. Roncska had served under Grooms’ command aboard USS Asheville (SSN 758) from 1997 to 1999.

“Texas is an extremely successful command certainly lead by a wonderful commanding officer, but it is always the crew that carries out the commander’s intentions. So to you, the crew of Texas, I salute you,” said Grooms. “I think we have proven time and time again that it really is possible to have fun at what you do, treat each other as a family but still get the work done. And Texas, under Cmdr. Roncska, has proven that.”

Roncska acknowledged that the majority of the submarine’s success during his time as commanding officer could be attributed to the crew and their hard work efforts.

“To the crew of Texas, you are the finest assembly of talent that I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said Roncska. “Clearly, Texas accomplished some amazing feats while I was in command but years from now I am not going to reminisce about these accomplishments and the impact we had to our national security. What I will think about is the personal experiences we shared and the lifelong friends I have made.”

Following his remarks, Roncska was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from July 2009 to Feb 2012.

In his closing remarks, Cmdr. Roncska reflected on his time on Texas and at sea.

“In many ways it seems like yesterday that I stood at the podium in Groton, Conn. to accept the responsibility of command, but when I recall my command experiences, I know it was not yesterday,” he said. “Words cannot describe what it was like to be a part of this awesome Texas family and it was truly an honor to be your commanding officer.”

As Cmdr. Hertel assumed command of Texas he addressed the crew about the future.

“Texas is a technical marvel of a submarine, and more capable than any other platform at bringing the fight to the enemy,” said Hertel. “We must maintain ourselves on the razor’s edge, ensuring we are ready when the time comes to answer our nation’s call.”

Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Lone Star State.
The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Cmdr. Roncska’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal (five awards).

Cmdr. Roncska will report to the staff of Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Submarine Command Course Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor.

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Naval Today Staff , February 03, 2012; Image: navy