A native of New Mexico is set become the first commanding officer of his state's namesake submarine, PCU New Mexico (SSN 779). Cmdr. Robert Dain detached March 24 as Submarine Squadron 7's deputy commander for readiness to begin the Submarine Command Course prior to assuming command of New Mexico's pre-commissioning unit in August. Dain was born in Shiprock, N.M., and raised in Tijeras and Cedar Crest, N.M., east of Albuquerque. He said his New Mexico ties make this command an ideal job for him, and he has already been in touch with family members, the Navy League and the USS New Mexico association about the commissioning. “This is a tremendous opportunity that comes once in a lifetime,” said Dain.