Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 holds change of command ceremony
GROTON, Connecticut – Cmdr. Francisco Martinez turned over command of Submarine Readiness Squadron (SRS) 32 to Cmdr. Matthew Braden in a traditional change-of-command ceremony held Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.
SRS 32 centralizes administrative and support functions, economizes resources, and provides a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to operational submarines homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London, pre-commissioning unit (PCU) crews at Electric Boat ship building facility, and maintenance period units at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
Martinez praised his team’s accomplishments over the last two years.
“Submarine readiness doesn't happen because one department works hard or one leader makes the right decision,” Martinez said. “It happens because people across this command do their jobs, trust one another, communicate, solve problems, and hold themselves and each other to high standards. That is what the men and women of SRS-32 have done, day in and day out.”
During Martinez’s tenure, the command oversaw seven changes of homeport, six submarine deployments, five deliveries from the shipyard, two submarine commissionings, one Ice Camp exercise, and four short-notice operational deployments.
Martinez wished Braden success and offered wisdom before stepping into the role of commanding officer.
“My advice is simple: take care of them, trust them, hold them to high standards, and give them the support they need to succeed,” Martinez said. “They will take care of the submarines. They will take care of the mission. And they will make you proud. You are taking command of a team with a remarkable record of accomplishment and a strong foundation to build on.”
Martinez, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska and 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, took command of the support squadron in October 2024, and his previous submarine tours include USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (GOLD), USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) (BLUE), USS Pasadena (SSN 752), and USS Providence (SSN 719). Following his departure, Martinez will report to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Intelligence, Plans, Strategy and Force Development)(N2N3N5N7), serving as a battle watch captain for the Navy Operations Center.
Capt. Corey Poorman, deputy commander of Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presided over the ceremony and served as guest speaker.
“Across the submarine force, submarine readiness squadrons are the Swiss Army knife of waterfront support.,” Poorman said. “SRS 32 has an especially demanding mission. This command supports four submarine squadrons, 24 supported commands, and 25 submarines across three waterfronts and geographic areas—including operational submarines, pre-commissioning units, and submarines in shipyard maintenance.”
Braden, a native of New Braintree, Massachusetts, and 2006 graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, thanked Martinez for a smooth turnover process.
“Observing you and the multitude of departments, discussing your successes and lessons learned, have been invaluable,” Braden said. “Your team is as enthusiastic as they are knowledgeable. It is clear that your care and dedication towards the Sailors, both on and off the waterfront, is immense. I am excited and honored to take the reins in leading this outstanding team that you have tirelessly built in supporting our warfighters.”
Braden comes to Groton from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served as the deputy commander of Submarine Squadron ONE. His previous submarine tours include USS Alabama (SSBN 731) (BLUE), USS Greeneville (SSN 772), and USS Florida (SSGN 728) (GOLD).
The mission of Submarine Readiness Squadron 32 is to centralize administrative and support functions, economize resources and provide a common pool of experts who provide complete functional support to the commanders of Submarine Squadrons 2, 4, and 12.
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