Old Dominion University Alum Assumes Role as Commodore of Submarine Squadron Twenty
September 20, 2022
Submarine Squadron Twenty held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Sep. 16.
Capt. Eric Cole relieved Capt. John Cage as the squadron’s commodore, in a ceremony held at the base chapel.
Cole, the incoming commodore, is a native of Carrollton, Georgia. He received his commissioning from the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in electrical engineering. He earned a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.
“To our SSBN commanding officers, both here and those at sea protecting each and every one of us today, you are and lead the men and women in the arena. I want you to know that everyone in this room today, everything Team Kings Bay does, is for you, your crews, and the spouses and families who support you as you carry out our nation’s highest priority mission of strategic deterrence,” said Cole who previously served as the Director of Strategic Forces at Commander, Submarine Forces, Atlantic.
Cage’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards),Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (four awards). For his next assignment, he will report to Submarine Group Ten staff.