In an optical communication module, a fiber submount is mated with an optics assembly to optically align an optical fiber retained in a groove in the fiber submount with an optics element of the optics assembly. The fiber submount has a resiliently biased latch portion that engages the optics assembly to provide a resilient retaining force between the optics assembly and the fiber submount. The force retains the optics element in optical alignment with the fiber optical axis.