February 1, 2012

USS Texas Holds Change of Command
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) - A time-honored change of command ceremony was held for the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) at the submarine piers on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Wed. Feb. 1.

Cmdr. Robert Roncska, commanding officer of Texas was relieved by Cmdr. Andrew Hertel.

Guest speaker, former First Lady of the United States and ship’s sponsor, Mrs. 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.

“USS Texas embodies the very best ideals of her namesake state; endurance, courage, loyalty and quiet strength. Nowhere are these virtues more visible than in her crew,” said Bush. “Today we thank Cmdr. Roncska for his outstanding service and leadership as the commander of Texas. I see what the crew of the USS Texas knows well, that he is a great officer and a natural leader.”

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.

“Texas is an extremely successful command certainly lead by a wonderful commanding officer, but it is always the crew that carries out the commander’s intentions. So to you, the crew of Texas, I salute you,” said Grooms. “I think we have proven time and time again that it really is possible to have fun at what you do, treat each other as a family but still get the work done. And Texas, under Cmdr. Roncska, has proven that.”   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.

“To the crew of Texas, you are the finest assembly of talent that I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said Roncska. “Clearly, Texas accomplished some amazing feats while I was in command but years from now I am not going to reminisce about these accomplishments and the impact we had to our national security. What I will think about is the personal experiences we shared and the lifelong friends I have made.”  Following his remarks, Roncska was awarded the Legion of Merit for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from July 2009 to Feb 2012.  In his closing remarks, Cmdr. Roncska reflected on his time on Texas and at sea.

“In many ways it seems like yesterday that I stood at the podium in Groton, Conn. to accept the responsibility of command, but when I recall my command experiences, I know it was not yesterday,” he said. “Words cannot describe what it was like to be a part of this awesome Texas family and it was truly an honor to be your commanding officer.” As Cmdr. Hertel assumed command of Texas he addressed the crew about the future.

“Texas is a technical marvel of a submarine, and more capable than any other platform at bringing the fight to the enemy,” said Hertel. “We must maintain ourselves on the razor’s edge, ensuring we are ready when the time comes to answer our nation’s call.”

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.

Cmdr. Roncska’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal (five awards).
Cmdr. Roncska will report to the staff of Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Submarine Command Course Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor.



January 20, 2012

Chaplain Jensen and Sgt Beard accompanied Marine Wounded Warriors to the Navy League Honolulu Council Dinner.

November 10, 2011



     SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) moored alongside submarine tender USS Emory S Land (AS 39) in Subic Bay Nov. 10, for a visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific.
     Texas is the first Virginia-class submarine to ever visit the Philippines, and the second of its class to deploy to this region.
     "This ship and crew have performed beyond all expectations during this Western Pacific deployment," said Cmdr. Robert A. Roncska, USS Texas commanding officer. "The ship's motto, 'Don't mess with Texas,' clearly embodies the ship's capabilities and the crew's spirit. Texas is proud to contribute to the overall priorities of maintaining regional security and international relations, and we are looking forward to experiencing beautiful Subic Bay with our close regional allies."
     Measuring more than 377 feet long and weighing more than 7,800 tons when submerged, Texas is among the quietest attack submarines in the fleet. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare, and shallow water operations.
     "This port visit will be a great opportunity for the crew to get some much deserved rest and relaxation," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (Submarines) Matt Harris, USS Texas chief of the boat.
     For many of the approximately 140 crew members, this is their first time visiting the Philippines. However, some crew members are of Filipino descent, and look forward to visiting family in Subic Bay.
     "It is an honor to be a part of USS Texas' first deployment in the western Pacific," said Chief Torpedoman's Mate Leonard Anderson, a native of the Philippines.
     Anderson said he looks forward to introducing his family to Texas and showing his shipmates some of the cultural sites that Subic Bay has to offer.
     "In its short years in service, Texas has surpassed all milestones," said Anderson. "This historic deployment is an example of how great this crew really is. Pulling into the Philippines in support of U.S. and Southeast Asian relations sets the standard for future Virginia-class platforms and is a great opportunity to show the world the best submarine crew in the Navy. Hooyah Texas!"

By Lt. Lara Bollinger, Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs


October, 2011


NL National Convention, Chattanooga, TN - Alan Kaplan, National Treasurer, presents John Sides with an award for his Councils in the Greater Pacific Region.

Spring, 2011

Nora Ruebrook supported the University of Hawaii E Kamakani Noi`i Symposium.