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On January 16, 2026, the USS Illinois (SSN 786) conducted a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, with Cmdr. Jeffrey Vandenengel succeeding Cmdr. Johannes Smith.

Cmdr. Smith commended the crew's teamwork during his tenure, while guest speaker Capt. Ryan McCrillis underscored the importance of learning from mistakes for naval readiness. Vandenengel, previously with the Navy's Warfare Development Division, expressed appreciation for Smith's leadership and affirmed the submarine's mission readiness.