Groton ― A change-of-command ceremony for the USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) was held Friday at the Naval Submarine Base, as Cmdr. Matthew Beach turned over command to Cmdr. Thomas “Woody” Williams, according to a news release.

“Matt transformed his crew from a precommissioning unit to a frontline submarine, directly supporting fleet operations shortly after the commissioning of Hyman G. Rickover,” said Capt. Jason Grizzle, commander of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 4.

Beach, who is from Springfield, Ohio, served as the boat’s first ‘USS’ Hyman G. Rickover commanding officer, according to the news release from Submarine Readiness Squadron 32, Public Affairs.

“Rickover, commissioned in October 2023, is the second submarine to commemorate Adm. Hyman G. Rickover – often referred to as the father of the nuclear Navy,” the release stated.

"It’s an honor for any submariner to serve as commanding officer,” Beach said. “But to take this boat and crew from a pre-commissioning unit, to commissioning, and out to sea – defending our nation’s interests – has been the highlight of my career.”

Beach, who served on tours of the USS Philadelphia (SSN 690), USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) and USS Hawaii (SSN 776), will remain in Groton as deputy for training at SUBRON 12.

Williams, who is from Charlotte, N.C., served aboard the USS Topeka (SSN 754), USS Tucson (SSN 770), and USS Connecticut (SSN 22).

“I trust this crew is in a good hands with Cmdr. Williams,” Beach said.

Williams said he looks forward “to carrying forward their good work.”