Groton — Submarine Development Squadron 12 has a new captain and new name.  

Capt. Ollie Lewis assumed the role of commodore of the newly renamed Submarine Squadron 12, relieving Capt. Butch Dollaga in a change-of-command ceremony Friday at the Submarine Force Library and Museum.

Lewis most recently served as director of operations for the squadron.

Nine nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarines homeported at the Naval Submarine Base are assigned to the squadron, and Lewis, as commodore, will ensure the equipping, manning and training of the sailors assigned to those submarines.

About every six weeks, "the collective Groton machine," cranks out another attack submarine ready for deployment, "consistently and successfully generating readiness," Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo, commander of Submarine Forces, said during his remarks.

At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Submarine Development Squadron 12 was re-designated Submarine Squadron 12, given the tactical development responsibilities of the squadron now fall under the Undersea Warfighting Development Center, headquarted in Groton.

The new command, which has been several years in the making, will train the submarine force in advanced tactics, techniques and procedures for anti-submarine warfare.

It is part of a larger reorganization by the Navy of its warfighting development centers.

For the first 14 months of his tour as commander of the squadron, Dollaga was also responsible for submarine force tactical development, according to Tofalo. 

"Your expertise was crucial to the successful planning and execution of more than 20 at sea tactical development exercises," Tofalo said.

Dollaga's next assignment will be as the Navy's congressional liaison to House and Senate appropriations committees.

j.bergman@theday.com

Twitter: @JuliaSBergman