Groton— Cmdr. Dennis Boyer turned over command of the USS Miami to Cmdr. Roger Meyer in a change of command ceremony today on board the submarine at the Naval Submarine Base.

During Boyer's tour, Miami (SSN 755) completed an eight-month deployment to Europe for which the submarine received a Navy Unit Commendation. The submarine also received several awards from Submarine Squadron Four.

Retired Capt. Stephen Marr, former commanding officer of the USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716) where Boyer served as the executive officer, spoke about Boyer's leadership and excellence in command.

"I attended the last Miami change of command and walked away impressed," Marr said. "My only question was how Dennis makes a great act better. During his years in command, he has done just that."

Boyer will next serve as the deputy commander for Submarine Squadron Seven. He told the Miami crew that they are the finest sailors he knows.

"I am proud to be your commanding officer and look forward to your future successes," he said.

Meyer previously served as navigation/operations officer on the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Blue and USS Hartford (SSN 768) and the executive officer of the USS Charlotte (SSN 766).

"It is the highest honor to assume this responsibility today," Meyer said. "To the crew, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the mission. It is the commitment from you which makes this submarine and its success possible."

j.mcdermott@theday.com