USS New Mexico Changes Command

Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Sept. 16.

Cmdr. Todd Moore relieved Capt. George Perez Jr. during a pierside ceremony aboard the vessel, which completed its maiden deployment last month.

The keynote speaker, Capt. Michael Bernacchi, executive assistant for the Chief of Naval Personnel and former chief of staff at Submarine Group 2, returned to Groton and applauded Perez for a successful tour that included readying the submarine for sea operations following its commissioning.

“George pushed New Mexico through the largest [post-shakedown availability] ever – got it on time and on budget, which is very challenging in and of itself,” said Bernacchi. “That is an amazing achievement.”

Bernacchi said Perez and his crew moved up New Mexico’s readiness timeline by months, enabling the ship to take on duties earlier than expected after joining the active fleet in March 2010.

Perez assumed command of New Mexico in October 2010.

“He is a masterful leader,” said Bernacchi. “He finds out what his people are good at and he makes them better.”

Under Perez’s leadership, New Mexico was recognized for numerous awards and achievements including the 2011 Battle Efficiency “E” for surpassing other attack submarines in overall readiness.

The crew also received the 2012 Supply “S” for logistical proficiency and was the 2013 Atlantic attack submarine nominee for the Capt. Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence.

Perez was also recognized for successfully leading New Mexico through its maiden deployment to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The boat returned from the deployment in August.

Perez applauded his crew of 140 enlisted Sailors and officers for their efforts during his tour.

“We were ready to go from the day we hit the water, and we have not looked back since,” said Perez. “The crew has been absolutely superb in their performance and I couldn’t have been more proud to have been their commanding officer in the past three years.”

Perez’s relief, Moore, previously served on the staff of U.S Strategic Command. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering.

During ceremony remarks, Moore expressed excitement about the opportunity to lead his crew.

“I couldn’t have imagined a better turnover or a better place to be than right here, right now. It is with great spirit and gratitude that I take command of USS New Mexico,” said Moore. “Tomorrow we return to the task of breathing life into this new warship, preparing it and ourselves to be part of that global force and preparing to defend our land.”

USS New Mexico is the second Navy vessel to bear the name of the 47th state. The first ship was an accomplished battleship that won six battle stars for service during World War I.
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Press Release, September 17, 2013