PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Cmdr. Anthony Carullo has relieved Cmdr. Alan Dorrbecker as commanding officer of the USS Greeneville in a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The USS Greeneville (SSN 772), a Los Angeles class fast-attack nuclear submarine, is named for this community. It was commissioned in February 1996.

The nuclear sub earlier this year completed overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire.

Capt. Stanley Robertson, commander of Submarine Squadron One, praised Dorrbecker in the Tuesday change of command ceremony for his accomplishments commanding the Greeneville.

"My task today is to appropriately recognize the accomplishments and leadership of a dedicated commanding officer and his crew who has done a tough job, very well," Robertson said.

"His dedicated stewardship of our national assets and his conscientious leadership of his crew, who are a national treasure in their own right, is truly a cause for celebration."

Following his remarks, Robertson awarded Dorrbecker the Meritorious Service Medal for his "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding duties during his tour as commanding officer."

The release said Dorrbecker reflected on the successes of his crew. "You flexed each time I asked you for more ... You accomplished what was described to me as unachievable," he said.

"The hours were long and seemingly without end but you worked with diligence to make yourselves and your ship better."

As Cmdr. Carullo assumed command of the USS Greeneville, he also acknowledged the quality of the crew he was inheriting.

"I am very proud to be on, and a part of, this great warship, modernized to be technically advanced, and with a crew as enthusiastic and ready to do its part to defend our values of freedom and democracy around the world," Carullo said.

"It is with great honor and privilege that I will get to spend the next few years with my shipmates, the men of the USS Greeneville, sharing both the good times and challenges with these great Americans."

Dorrbecker earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at Northwestern University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. His submarine sea tours include USS Boise (SSN 764), USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) and USS Jacksonville (SSN 699).