Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

⚓ 251 YEARS. ALWAYS ON WATCH. ⚓

Since 1775, generations of American Sailors have forged a proud legacy of service, sacrifice and maritime excellence.

Today, we honor the traditions and heritage that unite us, the Sailors who came before us and those who continue to stand the watch beneath the waves.

251 years of unwavering vigilance, unmatched lethality and an enduring commitment to defending freedom and democracy around the world.

🇺🇸 Happy 251st Birthday, United States Navy! 🇺🇸

⚓ A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO ALL OF OUR OMBUDSMEN WHO SUPPORT SUBMARINE SQUADRON 15 AND ITS FORWARD DEPLOYED SUBMARINES!

These dedicated volunteers are a vital link between our commands and families, providing information, resources and support through deployments, underways and the challenges of forward deployed life.

They help keep families informed and connected so our Sailors can stay focused on the mission.

Family readiness is operational readiness. Thank you to all of our Ombudsmen for everything you do for our Sailors, families and forward deployed submarine force.

Guam Tough starts with strong families. ⚓



COMSUBPAC Commander, Submarine Forces Joint Region Marianas US Naval Base Guam

⚓ TRIED. TESTED. ACCEPTED. ⚓

Today, Guam’s submarine force welcomed its newest chief petty officers as they donned their anchors and joined the Chiefs Mess.

Congratulations to:

⚓ MMNC Brendan Duran, Performance Monitoring Team, Detachment Guam
⚓ EMNC Jakob Sanchez, Performance Monitoring Team, Detachment Guam
⚓ MMNC Joshua Hoffman, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Detachment Guam
⚓ YNSC Xavier Holley, USS Annapolis

These Sailors earned more than a new uniform and title. They accepted the responsibility to lead from the deckplates, develop our Sailors, and uphold the standards that keep our forward-deployed submarine force ready.

Congratulations to our newest Chiefs and to the families, mentors, and shipmates who helped them reach this milestone.

Anchors up. Guam Tough.

Commander, Submarine Forces COMSUBPAC Joint Region Marianas US Naval Base Guam

💪 GUAM TOUGH STARTS WITH PT!

📍 NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 11, 2026) — USS Annapolis (SSN 760) Sailors started the day with command PT, building the strength, teamwork and toughness that keep the crew ready.

Readiness is an everyday mission and it starts on the track!

Run hard. Train together. Stay ready.

⚓ Fair winds and following seas, Cmdr. Clint Emrich! ⚓

📍NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 3, 2026) — Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Guam, Sept. 3, 2026, as Cmdr. Clint Emrich relinquished command to Cmdr. Jordan Kelly.

Rear Adm. Jeff Juergens, deputy director for Strategic Targeting at U.S. Strategic Command, served as the guest speaker. Capt. Christopher Carter, commander, Submarine Squadron 15, presided over the ceremony.

During his remarks, Juergens highlighted Annapolis’ role as a forward-deployed submarine and the operational advantage provided by maintaining combat-ready undersea forces in the Western Pacific.

“Annapolis is forward-deployed to Guam and operates closer to the places that matter. When something happens out here, Annapolis is not deploying to respond. Annapolis is already there,” said Juergens.

Juergens emphasized that the strategic value of the submarine force is often found in what remains unseen.

“Submarines do the things nothing else can do, they go where nothing else can go, and see what nobody else can see,” said Juergens. “There will never be a photograph or a headline, and the measure of a successful deployment is that no one, anywhere, ever knew the ship was there. Clint, you did just that. You took the toughest assignments, you built an unbreakable culture based on dignity and respect, and you kept this ship ready for the fight. As you stand ready to relinquish command today, you can look back on an exceptional tour. You have been an outstanding Commanding Officer. Bravo Zulu and outstanding job!”

During his command tour, Emrich led Annapolis through multiple Western Pacific deployments and operations, sustaining the readiness required of a forward-deployed submarine operating in one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions. Under his leadership, the crew trained more than 300 Sailors and achieved the highest qualification rate on the Guam waterfront, strengthening the combat readiness and operational capability of the Pacific Submarine Force.

“How does one find the words to thank this crew?” said Emrich. “How do you thank them for their devotion, their willing sacrifice, and their unrelenting tenacity in the face of the most arduous operating environment we can put them in? We could push no group as hard as we have pushed these Sailors, and they have risen to the call and answered it with honor, courage, and commitment.”

The Annapolis crew received high accolades from their exemplary performance throughout Emrich’s command tour. Annapolis earned the 2024 Battle Efficiency Award from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, the FY 2025 Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award, and a Navy Unit Commendation in recognition of the crew’s superb performance during operations in the Pacific.

Reflecting on the demands placed on the crew, Emrich cited former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan’s observation that “Hope is not a plan.” He pointed to the Sailors of Annapolis as the foundation of the submarine’s continued readiness and success.

“I present to you the American plan: the crew of USS Annapolis and so many like it across our force,” Emrich said. “They are the American dream. They are not our hope, they are our recipe, our plan, and they represent the best this country has to offer.”

Emrich also reflected on the relationships among the commanding officers and crews of Guam’s forward-deployed submarine waterfront. Those relationships, he said, build trust and strengthen the collective readiness of the force.

“The relationships on this waterfront enhance our readiness day-to-day and build the foundation of respect required for success in combat,” Emrich said. “To my relief, you are embarking on a fantastical journey. I wish you patience, grace, and tenacity through the stormiest of seas and fairest of days. Jordan, best of luck!”

Emrich, a Cleveland native and 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, will continue his service at Commander, Task Force 74, in Yokosuka, Japan. Kelly, a native of Rutherford, New Jersey, and a 2006 graduate of The Citadel, assumes command following a tour at Submarine Squadron 15.

“Standing here today is a tremendous honor, a profound responsibility, and, honestly, just plain exciting,” said Kelly. “Command at sea is a great privilege, and I could not be more proud to take the watch aboard Annapolis. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, chiefs, officers, and shipmates who helped me reach this point. This moment is a reminder that none of us reaches our goals alone. Operationally, our course is clear. We will be safe, disciplined, and relentlessly focused on warfighting excellence. We will train hard, challenge ourselves, and maintain an uncompromising standard. The future of Annapolis is bright, and I am excited for what lies ahead.”

Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 and based at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Annapolis is one of four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Operating from Guam at the tip of the spear, forward-deployed submarines provide a persistent, combat-ready undersea presence in the Western Pacific, strengthening deterrence and supporting a free and open Pacific.



Commander, Submarine Forces COMSUBPAC Joint Region Marianas US Naval Base Guam

Join us for the livestream of the USS Annapolis (SSN 760) Change of Command Ceremony on September 3rd at 10:00 A.M. (ChST)

📍NAVAL BASE GUAM (Aug. 13, 2026) - Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) returns to Naval Base Guam, Aug. 13, 2026. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, based at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Annapolis is one of four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their unparalleled speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines serve at the tip of the spear, helping to reaffirm the submarine force's forward-deployed presence in support of a free and open Pacific.

📷 U.S. Navy photo by Electrician’s Mate Nuclear 2nd Class Michael Orourke

⚓ Congratulations to Submarine Squadron 15’s Newest Chief Selects! 🐐👏

We’re proud to recognize the hard work, perseverance, and leadership of our Sailors selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer during this cycle.

Whether operating beneath the waves or driving operations in port, these future Chiefs are the anchors of their crews—uniting teams, building warfighting readiness, and supporting the lethality of our forward-deployed submarine force.

Their commitment reflects what it truly means to be Guam Tough! Resilient, dependable, and always mission-ready.

Bravo Zulu to all our selectees! 🎉

⚓ FROM THE NORTH — POWER! ⚓ 🛡️🪓

to the Sailors of USS Minnesota (SSN 783), who returned to Guam after completing the submarine’s first deployment as the Navy’s first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine.

📍NAVAL BASE GUAM (July 29, 2026) — Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returned to its homeport at Naval Base Guam on July 29, 2026, completing its first deployment since becoming the Navy’s first forward-deployed Virginia-class submarine.

“Minnesota’s return marks a significant milestone for the Pacific Submarine Force and demonstrates the Navy’s ability to sustain and employ advanced Virginia-class capabilities in the Pacific,” said Capt. Christopher Carter, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Operating from Guam, this crew demonstrated the readiness, endurance and advanced capabilities the Virginia-class platform brings to the strategic outpost in the Western Pacific.”

Minnesota participated in the multinational exercise Valiant Shield 2026 and made port visits to Okinawa and Sasebo, Japan. The Okinawa visit demonstrated the Navy’s ability to sustain undersea capabilities forward at a variety of locations throughout the Pacific.

“This homecoming marks the successful completion of Minnesota’s first deployment from Guam,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Cornielle, commanding officer of USS Minnesota. “The crew performed superbly while executing missions vital to the defense of the homeland and strengthening our alliances and partnerships. The experience they gained operating throughout the Western Pacific will shape Minnesota’s continued success for years to come. I am proud of every Sailor and deeply grateful to our families, whose strength and support made this deployment possible. From the North!”

During the deployment, two officers and twenty enlisted Sailors earned their submarine warfare insignia, commonly known as “dolphins” or “fish.” The insignia signifies qualification to operate at the highest standards of the undersea force and reflects mastery of submarine systems, watch stations and mission ex*****on.

“The Sailors aboard Minnesota represented the Navy with pride and professionalism, no matter the task,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Joshua Garrett, Minnesota’s chief of the boat. “Every time a challenge stood before them, they answered the call with discipline, character and an unwavering commitment to one another. Their readiness and effectiveness were evident throughout this deployment, and I could not be prouder of what this crew accomplished.”

The homecoming included the Navy’s traditional first kiss and first hug, awarded to Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 2nd Class Jose Salazar and Yeoman (Submarines) 1st Class Jaccor Blakley, respectively.

Since arriving in Guam in November 2024, Minnesota has visited HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, where the crew conducted at-sea operations in support of the Submarine Command Course and participated in Exercise Lungfish, a tactical development exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy. Minnesota also visited Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory in support of bilateral engagements. These accomplishments add to Minnesota’s growing list of milestones and demonstrate the Virginia class’s ability to deliver credible combat power from a forward-deployed location in the Pacific.

Commissioned Sept. 7, 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota is the 10th Virginia-class submarine to enter service. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Minnesota is one of four forward-deployed fast-attack submarines. Renowned for their speed, endurance, stealth and mobility, fast-attack submarines are the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force. Regarded as apex predators of the sea, Guam’s fast-attack submarines sustain the submarine force’s forward-deployed presence across the Pacific.



U.S. Navy Commander, Submarine Forces COMSUBPAC Joint Region Marianas US Naval Base Guam U.S. Pacific Fleet