Pearl Harbor-based Submarine Squadron 1 changes command

Capt. Richard Seif was relieved by Capt. Wesley Bringham as commander of the US Navy’s Submarine Squadron 1 during a change of command ceremony at the historic submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, January 8.

Rear Adm. Daryl L. Caudle, commander, Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and commended Seif for his many accomplishments as commodore of Squadron 1.

“It is one thing to have successful operations and impeccably maintained equipment, but to teach your CO’s how to build and leverage the intangibles that keep our Sailors ready, dedicated, and committed is a true testament to the focus and culture at Submarine Squadron 1,” said Caudle. “And that is something that starts at the top.”

Caudle also welcomed Bringham back to Pearl Harbor and expressed his confidence in him as the new commander of Submarine Squadron 1.

“Wes, I know you are passionate about developing future leaders. Therefore, I’m confident that your mentorship as commodore will lead your officers and Sailors to execute countless successful missions in our theaters of operation,” said Caudle. “Who knows, maybe one of those junior officers will follow in your footsteps to become the next Squadron 1 commander, just as you have.”

During the ceremony, Caudle presented Seif with a Legion of Merit Medal for exceptionally meritorious conduct while serving as commander, Submarine Squadron 1 from January 2017 until January 2019.

“To my staff, I say thank you,” said Seif. “Thank you for exceeding my expectations, helping boats solve problems before I knew they were problems, training and mentoring your counterparts, and all you did every day to make our boats successful and self-sufficient.”

Submarine Squadron 1 was first established in May 1941 at New London, Connecticut. There were originally nineteen submarines in the squadron. On October 1, 1945, Submarine Squadron 1 moved to the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and remained there ever since.