Cmdr. Kyle McVay, left, and Cmdr. Kyle Johnson salute during a change of command ceremony for the USS Indiana (SSN 789) in Groton, Connecticut, June 13, 2025. Johnson relieved McVay during the ceremony. The fast-attack submarine Indiana and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 12 whose primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, prepared, and committed to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Joshua Karsten
GROTON, CONNECTICUT — The USS Indiana, Indiana’s namesake submarine, underwent a change of command last week. Commander Kyle McVay turned the USS Indiana over to Commander Kyle Johnson in a ceremony June 13 at the New London base in Groton, Connecticut.
The USS Indiana was the 16th Virginia-class submarine commissioned in 2018, designed to excel in anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, special operations, intelligence, surveillance, irregular and mine warfare. This specific ship is the fourth to be named after Indiana and has a crew of over 130 personnel.
Captain Philip Castellano spoke at the event, praising McVay for his leadership and service to those serving on the ship.
“You’ve built a cohesive, high-performing team,” Castellano said “Know that you leave behind a legacy of excellence and that the bonds you have forged with this Indiana family will endure.”
McVay also praised the crew of the ship, calling them “true professionals and warfighters.”
Although McVay will not be on the USS Indiana, he will continue to work as Military Assistant to the Undersecretary for Nuclear Security and National Nuclear Security Agency at the Department of Energy in Washington D.C.
Johnson, the new commander of the ship, responded to the comments from McVay, praising his past leadership in return.
“Your leadership, steady hand, and commitment to this team have laid the foundation for Indiana’s continued success,” Johnson said.
