Naples, Italy –
Commander, Submarine Group 8 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, June 26, 2026.
Rear Adm. Andrew T. Miller was relieved by Rear Adm. John W. Stafford as commander of the submarine group as well as commander of Task Force 169, and director of maritime operations for U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF).
Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of NAVEUR/NAVAF, served as the presiding officer and guest speaker, honoring both leaders and the command’s continued mission in the region.
“[Rear Adm. Miller] led with purpose and poise through high-tempo operations but never lost sight of the needs of those he was privileged to lead,” said Wikoff. “[His] tireless sacrifice has personified this deep commitment to team and mission success, and the results speak for themselves.”
The transition represents a historic milestone for both officers, marking the fourth consecutive time that Stafford has relieved Miller as his successor in command during the course of their naval careers. The first was as Commander, Submarine Squadron Four in 2021, followed by Chief of Staff for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic in 2023, then as Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center in 2025.
Miller, who will next report to the Undersea Warfare Division (N97) in the Pentagon, highlighted the directorates and task force commodores by name for their contributions to the command’s operational success, and expressed gratitude for the personnel with whom he worked.
“It has truly been a privilege to be part of such a great team at [NAVEUR/NAVAF] in direct coordination with Sixth Fleet that repeatedly delivered what the Combatant Commanders at EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and SOUTHCOM asked for,” said Miller. “Unfortunately, the work here is not done — be relentless.”
Stafford, in addition to the three previous assignments where he relieved Miller, has also served aboard USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Topeka (SSN 754), USS Nebraska (BLUE) (SSN 739), and commanded USS Cheyenne (SSN 773). Additional staff assignments ashore include duty on the Virginia-Class Program PMS 450; Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet, Tactical Readiness Examination Team; U.S. Northern Command, Headquarters J38D Special Activities; Commander Task Force 74 as the deputy chief of staff for Operations N3; and at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the “Line Locker.”
“[During] my turnover period, I have observed, at every turn, the demonstration of quality of character common only to a team with so much real work and so much real responsibility. It is clear to me that each of you takes seriously the duty the Navy has ordered you to discharge,” said Stafford. “And it is further clear to me that my best course of action would be to work earnestly in the pursuit of further enabling your excellence. So, I pledge to do just that.”
Commander, Submarine Group 8 conducts the full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR/NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.