Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States and ship's sponsor, speaks at the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) change of command ceremony held at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Feb. 1. Cmdr. Robert Roncska, former naval aide to the president of the United States from 2006 to 2008, was relieved as commanding officer of Texas by Cmdr. Andrew Hertel.
Cmdr. Andrew Hertel relieved Cmdr. Robert Roncska as commanding officer of the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) during a time-honored change of command ceremony Feb. 1. The event was held at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam.
Former First Lady of the United States and ship's sponsor, Laura Bush, praised Roncska, a native of Dunkirk, N.Y. and former naval aide to the president of the United States from 2006 to 2008, for his exceptional performance while commanding Texas, as well as the crew on their accomplishments under Roncska's leadership.
Rear Adm. Bruce Grooms, assistant deputy, operations, plans and strategy (N3/N5B) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, also spoke to the assembled crowd. Roncska had served under Grooms' command aboard USS Asheville (SSN 758) from 1997 to 1999.
Cmdr. Robert Roncska is piped ashore after being relieved as commanding officer of the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) by Cmdr. Andrew Hertel at a change of command ceremony held Feb. 1 at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
Roncska acknowledged that the majority of the submarine's success during his time as commanding officer could be attributed to the crew and their hard work efforts.
Following his remarks, Roncska was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from July 2009 to February 2012.
In his closing remarks, Roncska reflected on his time on Texas and at sea.
As Hertel assumed command of Texas, he addressed the crew about the future.
Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Lone Star State.
The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Roncska's personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal (five awards).
He will report to the staff of Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet as the submarine command course prospective commanding officer instructor.