Pearl Harbor-based submarine squadron gets new commander

U.S. Navy’s Submarine Squadron 1 welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at the historic submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, January 5.

Capt. Timothy Rexrode, commanding officer of Submarine Squadron 1, was relieved by Capt. Richard Seif.

Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Rear Adm. Frederick Roegge was the guest speaker for the ceremony and praised Rexrode for his hard work and wished him luck at his next command, as the executive assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon.

“I am particularly impressed with Tim’s thoughtful leadership and mentorship of the submarine commanding officers in his charge,” said Roegge.

Roegge also welcomed Seif to Pearl Harbor and expressed his confidence in him as the new commander of Squadron 1.

“It’s clear that Tim will be a difficult act to follow,” said Roegge. “But it’s equally clear to me that you are exactly the right man to build upon that legacy; and Rick, I challenge you to lead Squadron 1 to even greater success.”

During the ceremony, Roegge presented Rexrode with the Legion of Merit Medal for exceptional meritorious conduct while serving as Commander, Submarine Squadron 1 from March, 2015 until January, 2017.

Seif served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Submarine Group 7/Task Force 74 in Yokosuka, Japan. He most recently served in the Pentagon as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities.

Submarine Squadron 1 was first established in May 1941 at New London, Connecticut. On Oct. 1, 1945, Submarine Squadron 1 moved to the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, and has remained there ever since.