While the shipyard is building submarine NEW MEXICO, the Navy is building the submarine crew. The leader of this team of professionals is the Commanding Officer, CDR Mark A. Prokopius who relieved CDR Robert Lee Dain on 1 August 2008. CDR Prokopius will lead the crew through commissioning and on to active operations with the fleet.

PCU NEW MEXICO Commanding Officer, CDR Mark Prokopius

CDR Prokopius is a native of Seven Hills, Ohio. He received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Notre Dame in 1990. Following nuclear training he reported to his first assignment aboard USS TECUMSEH (SSBN-628) in Charleston, SC where he served in various Division Officer billets. Following TECUMSEH’s decommissioning he reported to USS TUCSON (SSN-770) with the initial manning increment and served aboard during initial sea trials, delivery, and commissioning.

Following a shore tour at Naval Space Command at Dahlgren, VA, CDR Prokopius served as Engineer Officer aboard USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER, completing a northern Atlantic deployment for which RICKOVER received a Navy Unit Commendation. He then served as a member of the Atlantic Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board before reporting to USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) as Executive Officer. While aboard NORFOLK, he completed an Engineering Refueling Overhaul and conducted a surge deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in support of NATO Response Force commitments. Most recently, CD Prokopius served on the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces as the Force Nuclear Officer.

CDR Prokopius holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Engineering Management degree from Old Dominion University. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) as well as various unit awards.

CDR Prokopius family consists of his wife Kathryn and their two daughters Megan and Kara.

The Executive Officer (XO) is CDR Scott Fever who brings a wealth of shipyard experience to PCU NEW MEXICO. He was the XO for NORTH CAROLINA, another Virginia-class submarine nearing completion at the NGNN shipyard.

PCU NEW MEXICO Executive Officer, CDR Scott Fever

As of 1 August 2008 the other officers assigned to PCU NEW MEXICO are:

LCDR Charles A. Barker
LCDR Michael J. Stinson
LCDR Erik T. Lundberg
LT Richard A. Stanfield
LY Mitchell D. Becker
LT Richard H. Steffes
LT Richard R. Emerson
LT Sean M. Meredith
LT Robert R. Given
LTJG Gerald L. Eppolito
ENS Joseph W. Anglin
ENS Oliver Queen

The Chief Petty Officers assigned to PCU NEW MEXICO are:

MMCM(SS) Roger A. Meffley
STSCS(SS) Paul K. Jackson
ETCS(SS) William D. Mitchell
ETCS(SS) Sean P. Harmon
MMCS(SS) William M. Lamb
SKCS(SS) Michael D. Bass
ETC(SS) Rahzine S. Brown
MMC(SS) Lee A. Barrick
HMC(SS) Scott A. Bissen
YNC(SS) Mark C. Burger
FTC(SS) Andrew J. Collins
EMC(SS) Daryl D. Downey
MMC(SS) Matthew M. Gray
MMC(SS) Dale A. Reeves