Editor's note:

In a scheduled change-of-command ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, this month, Cmdr. Anthony Carullo relieved Cmdr. Alan Dorrbecker as commanding officer of the USS Greeneville, the fast-attack nuclear submarine named for this community.

Cmdr. Carullo was an original crew member and is keenly aware of the immense support shown through the years to the sailors of the submarine by residents of Greeneville and Greene County.

The following is his personal holiday greeting to local residents:

----------

Citizens of Greene-ville and Greene County, Tennessee:

Aloha!

I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

My name is Cmdr. Anthony Carullo, and I am the new commanding officer of the USS Greeneville.

I recently relieved Cmdr. Alan Dorrbecker and thought it appropriate that one of my first letters be to our most loyal supporters -- the citizens of Greeneville and Greene County, Tennessee.

Along with my wife, Michelle, and children Christopher, Nicholas, and Courtney, we are proud to return to the Greeneville Family.

From 1995 to 1996, I was a Plankowner [an inaugural crew member] onboard Greeneville, and saw this fine ship through new construction and commissioning.

I recall the outstanding love and support the great citizens of Greeneville and Greene County showed us during that exciting time.
When combined with the love and support of our families, we are an unbeatable team. My crew and I want to build on that love and support, and look forward to strengthening our bond with our namesake city and county.

Greeneville recently returned to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after a 16-month modernization period at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.

Now at the helm of the fleet's most technologically advanced Los Angeles-class submarine, I am pleased to mention that my crew and I are preparing for our next western Pacific deployment.

I want our friends in Greeneville and Greene County to know that the crew is energized, committed to success, and ready to answer the nation's calling.

Greeneville sailors are a dedicated group of men who are motivated to carry out their mission with honor, courage, and commitment.

I wish you all a most happy Holiday Season.

As we reflect and give thanks for what truly matters in life -- family and freedom -- I personally extend my sincere thanks for your support of the "Volunteers Defending Frontiers."

Sincerely,

A.C.Carullo

Commander,U.S. Navy

Commanding Officer

USS Greeneville (SSN 772)