Capt. Timothy Poe, right, relieves Capt. David Schappert, left, as commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15 during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Base Guam theater, Aug. 17. SUBRON 15 is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam in Apra Harbor, Guam, and consists of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heather Wamsley/RELEASED)

SANTA RITA, Guam – Capt. Timothy J. Poe, from Patuxent River, Maryland, relieved Capt. David G. Schappert as commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15 during a ceremony hosted at the Naval Base Guam theater, Aug. 17.

Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) Rear Adm. Daryl Caudle 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 (SSN 721) and welcomed USS Asheville (SSN 758). 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. He discussed his excitement for the years ahead.

“I’m excited to take the helm and lead the great submariners of Team 15,” said Poe. “My goal is for Team 15 to be the pinnacle of warfighting excellence in the Submarine Force, and I promise to bring motivation and passion every day to ensure we meet that goal.”

Poe’s sea tours include service as navigator aboard USS Newport News (SSN 750), executive officer aboard USS Memphis (SSN 691) and commanding officer of USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) and USS Key West (SSN 722). 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.