Spartan Echo

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The Navy’s submarine force has a new commanding officer.

Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo relieved Vice Adm. Michael J. Connor of command Friday during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

As the commander of U.S. submarine forces, Tofalo is responsible for establishing strategies on force structure, budgetary issues and manpower. He will be based in Norfolk and directly manage the Atlantic-based submarine fleet while also serving as the commander of Allied Submarine Command for NATO. In that role, he serves as NATO’s principal adviser on submarine plans, operations and doctrine.

Tofalo has worked in the submarine community his entire career. He previously served as the director of the Undersea Warfare Center at the Pentagon.

Connor is retiring from active duty after 36 years of service in the Navy.