USS Providence Welcomes New Commander

Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 21.

Cmdr. Anthony “Tony” S. Grayson relieved Cmdr. Michael G. Quan during the ceremony.

The keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, director, Submarine Warfare Division on the Chief of Naval Operations’ staff, praised Quan for his successful tour.

“His leadership style and command skill directly contributed and became the bedrock for Providence’s success,” said Breckenridge. “The command tour is probably one of the hardest tours, bar-none, in our Navy – but also one of the most rewarding.”

Quan was recognized for successfully leading Providence through an extended seven-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The boat returned to Groton in March.

Deployments for attacks submarines typically last six months, but Providence was extended twice to continue conducting assigned missions. Quan lauded his crew of 140 enlisted Sailors and officers for their efforts at sea.

“It takes a team to successfully go to sea,” said Quan. “This crew all has one thing in common; they each raised their right hand and committed an act of selflessness to go wherever the nation asked and under any hazard.”

Under Quan’s leadership, Providence 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.

“Cmdr. Grayson, you are receiving a great team of Sailors,” said Quan. “Each dedicated to the good of Providence and the Submarine Force.”

He enlisted in the Navy in 1985 and soon entered the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program where he earned his bachelor’s in mathematics from Oregon State University in 1992. Quan received his officer commission in 1993 through Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. He will serve on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Arlington, Va.

Quan’s relief Grayson previously served as the executive assistant to Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and Commander, U.S. Naval Central Command. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a bachelor’s in systems engineering.

When addressing the crew, Providence’s new captain was hopeful about achieving future success through teamwork.

“We are all bonded by skill, experience, mutual respect and a common cause,” said Grayson. “I know that together we will make Providence not just the best ship in the submarine fleet, but the Navy.”

Providence was commissioned July 27, 1985. It is the fifth Navy vessel to bear the name of the capital of Rhode Island.

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Press Release, August 22, 2013; Image: Navy