MANAMA, Bahrain (Sept. 6, 2020) – Capt. Tim Poe relieved Capt. Sean Muth as Commodore of Commander, Submarine Squadron 21 (CSS-21) and Commander, Task Force 54 (CTF-54) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, September 6.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize Muth's impactful leadership as the subject matter expert for submarine and undersea warfare in the 5th Fleet area of operations over the last two years.
Muth, a native of Jeffersonville, New York, successfully employed seven submarines, two ships, and four Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft to execute theater antisubmarine warfare (ASW) campaigns and support missions vital to the security of U.S. and coalition allies.
“I will always treasure the opportunity I had to lead a resilient and committed team of warfighters,” said Muth. “I have been amazed time and time again by the determination of the squadron staff and the tacticians aboard our deployed submarines and support vessels to push through adversity, adapt to the challenges presented in the region and most recently, sustain operations despite a global pandemic. I am confident that through initiative, continual feedback and creativity, these Sailors will continue to maintain our high standards of mission readiness.”
CTF-54’s superiority in the undersea domain throughout the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility ensured that both our and our allies’ submarines and anti-submarine warfare assets remained effective during a period of increased peer competition.
Rear Adm. Butch Dollaga, Commander, Submarine Group 7, commended Muth for his achievements as the commander of the only submarine squadron in the region.
“I have known you for a while and your reputation as a champion for our deployed crews speaks volumes about your dedication to our mission and the submarine community,” said Dollaga. “Based on how effective you have been, from safe submarine navigation through strategic chokepoints to complex logistical evolutions, I thank you, Sean for your unmatched vigilance, discernment and operational flexibility. More than any other theater, the 5th Fleet environment is one that requires a leader who prioritizes readiness and the integration of new technologies to ensure the lethality of our submarines and our ability to respond to any aggression. You rose to the test and delivered.”
Dollaga also welcomed the squadron’s new commander, Poe a native of Patuxent River, Maryland.
“Tim, your and your crews’ accomplishments while commanding Submarine Squadron 15 (CSS-15) are legendary. I have watched you in command of USS Santa Fe as well as CSS-15, and I know you are the right man for the job in 5th Fleet. As the operational tempo increases in the area, I know Submarine Group 7 can count on you and your team to continue our path to success in current and future operations.”
After assuming command of CSS-21, Poe described his vision for the way forward.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with my new team and our partners in the region to continue the efforts already underway to ensure we are ready to meet any challenge at sea,” he said. “My confidence has only deepened as I continue to meet the members of my team and observe as they optimize our resources to support coalition and U.S. 5th Fleet objectives.”
CSS-21 is responsible for bringing theater support to deployed units, allowing for better coordination in submarine operational, logistics, and maintenance support, and providing oversight on submarine training and exercises to support theater operations.
-CSG 7-
Date Taken: | 09.04.2020 |
Date Posted: | 09.06.2020 06:33 |
Story ID: | 377474 |
Location: | BH |
Hometown: | JEFFERSONVILLE, NEW YORK, US |
Hometown: | PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND, US |
Web Views: | 1,104 |
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