Capt. Carl Hartsfield relieved Capt. Paul Snodgrass as commander, Submarine Squadron 6 (SUBRON 6), Aug. 5, during a change of command ceremony aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764), at Naval Station Norfolk.
A native of Seymour, Indiana, Snodgrass assumed command of SUBRON 6 in August 2014 and, following the change of command, will retire after 28 years of honorable naval service.
"I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would have the opportunity and honor to serve as a commodore in our great submarine force," said Snodgrass. "The crews and staff of the Squadron amazed me every day with their work ethic, ingenuity, empathy for people, and passion for excellence in every effort that supported the submarine, and most importantly the sailor."
During his remarks, Snodgrass recognized those who have had the biggest impact in shaping his career, family friends and shipmates past and present and thanked them for the years of education, mentorship and support.
Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo, commander, Submarine Forces (SUBFOR), was the feature speaker and presided over the event, lauded Snodgrass for his leadership of Norfolk commands and the training and certification of three SSNs for deployment.
"Your performance as commander of Submarine Squadron 6 has been superior," said Tofalo. "Consistently and successfully generating readiness and getting these warships to sea is a credit to their crews, the supporting commands, and the highly capable staff at SUBRON 6. But it starts at the top with the squadron commander.
Under your leadership for the past two years, SUBRON 6 has been responsible for 10 of the world's most capable fast-attack submarines and, more importantly, the crews of these remarkable ships."
Hartsfield, who entered naval service in 1990, has served on USS Los Angeles (SSN 688), USS Parche (SSN 683), USS Nevada (SSBN 733B) and USS Newport News (SSN 750).
"Commodore Hartsfield, congratulations!" remarked Tofalo as he welcomed the incoming commanding officer. "I know you are ready to hit the decks running in your new assignment as commander, Submarine Squadron 6. Your career to date has prepared you well for this extremely important assignment."
Hartsfield reports to SUBRON 6 from SUBFOR where he served in several positions including Undersea Rapid Capabilities Initiative program manager. Additionally, Hartsfield is a master's graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in ocean sciences. His research focused on autonomous underwater vehicles and their applications.
"I appreciate the profound trust that has been placed in me to command a fast-attack submarine squadron," said Hartsfield. "I pledge to give everything I have toward supporting and mentoring our crews and their bold commanders to be everything our country needs them to be."
SUBRON 6 oversees the leadership of 10 attack submarines and their crews. The squadron staff is responsible for training and preparing their submarine crews in all facets of operations, including tactical and operational readiness for war, inspection and monitoring, nuclear and radiological safety, and development and control of submarine operating schedules.
