Submarine Squadron 15 holds change of command

Capt. Timothy Poe, right, relieves Capt. David Schappert, left, as commander, Submarine Squadron 15 during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Base Guam theater, Aug. 17. (Contributed Photo)

SANTA RITA, Guam—Capt. Timothy J. Poe relieved Capt. David G. Schappert as commander, Submarine Squadron 15 during a ceremony hosted at the Naval Base Guam theater last Aug. 17.

Rear Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and discussed the impact and importance of submarine forces in Guam.

“I rely daily on the submarines here in Guam to maintain their warfighting skills at peak readiness, capable of deploying at a moment’s notice,” said Caudle. “Your readiness is an indispensable part of my strategy [to significantly improve the lethality of our undersea enterprise].”

Caudle also remarked on the role as commodore of SUBRON 15 and Poe’s leadership abilities.

“Being the commodore of SUBRON 15 may be the best major command assignment in the Navy – certainly one of the most challenging,” said Caudle. “I know that [Tim is] ready to take Dave’s accomplishments to the next level. The talented SUBRON 15 team should be excited to serve under [his] strong and proven leadership.”

Caudle presented Schappert with a Legion of Merit for his dedicated leadership of the Navy’s only forward-deployed submarine squadron and acknowledged his tremendous efforts.

“Rest assured that your service to the men and women of Submarine Squadron 15 was both significant, meaningful, and effective,” said Caudle. “You not only contributed deeply to keeping our nation safe, you changed the lives of the Sailors within your charge. You have the deep gratitude of myself, our Navy, and our nation.”

Schappert thanked the men and women of SUBRON 15 for being instrumental to the submarines’ accomplishments throughout his tenure.

“What we do out here at the tip of the spear in Guam is incredibly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” he said. “My staff is exceptional, and they made my time in command significantly easier than it would have been without their dedication to our submarines.”

Schappert has led SUBRON 15 for approximately two years, during which Guam bid farewell to Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Chicago and welcomed USS Asheville. He made significant, lasting improvements to submarine maintenance and operations in the Western Pacific to support SUBRON’s four submarines and all Pacific Fleet submarines passing through Guam. Schappert improved warfighting readiness across the board through bold repair and upkeep initiatives, a balanced mentoring and oversight posture, and high standards in execution.

Schappert expressed his excitement for Team 15’s future with Poe at the helm.

“Tim, I’ve known you and worked with you for years,” said Schappert. “I can think of no one better prepared to lead this team through the challenges the future holds.”

Poe praised Schappert for the squadron’s success and thanked him for turning over a great command.

Poe’s sea tours include service as navigator aboard USS Newport News, executive officer aboard USS Memphis, and commanding officer of USS Santa Fe and USS Key West. His shore assignments include serving as the senior member of the Tactical Readiness Evaluation team at Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic and most recently as Deputy Commander for Mission Readiness at SUBRON 15.

Schappert will head to Washington, D.C., and work in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. (Submarine Squadron 15 Public Affairs)