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On January 16, 2026, the USS Illinois (SSN 786) held a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Cmdr. Jeffrey Vandenengel succeeded Cmdr.

Johannes Smith, who had taken command in August 2023. Cmdr. Smith praised the crew's performance, highlighting their teamwork.

Capt. Ryan McCrillis attended as guest speaker, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging mistakes for naval readiness. Vandenengel, previously at the Navy's Warfare Development Division, expressed gratitude for Smith's leadership and outlined the submarine's readiness for missions. The Illinois, commissioned on October 29, 2016, is a Virginia-class submarine measuring 377 feet and supporting a crew of 132.