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BANGOR, Wash. - Capt. John Tolliver turned over command of Submarine Squadron 17 to Capt. Mark Behning during a change of command ceremony Sept. 12 at the Deterrent Park, Bangor, Wash.
“Your job is hard, it is unforgiving, it is rewarding, and it is vital,” Tolliver said to the assembled submarine commanding officers of Squadron 17, using the same words he used when he took command in January 2012. “I could not have done it without you.”
“These ships are the defining attribute of a great power in the nuclear age. Submarines are the original and most enduring stealth platform,” he said.
As the squadron’s commander, Tolliver oversaw 33 strategic patrols, planned and executed 25 ballistic missile nuclear submarine (SSBN) refits including 11 dry dockings, and revolutionized the SSBN crew certification process.
“It is clear that [Captain Tolliver’s] dedicated leadership was equally vital to getting the mission done, shaping future leaders, moving forward with countless initiatives to improve our force, the quality of work of our sailors and the quality of life for our sailors and their families, said Rear Adm. Dietrich Kuhlmann, commander, Submarine Group 9, the keynote speaker.
Tolliver’s next assignment will be on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Study Group in Newport, Rhode Island. Behning comes to Submarine Squadron 17 from the staff of Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. He previously served as commanding officer of USS Nevada (SSBN 733) Blue and Gold Crews, and executive officer of USS Alaska (SSBN 733).
As he addressed the submarine sailors gathered at the ceremony, Behning took an opportunity to remind them of the critical mission of the ballistic submarine force in today’s Navy.
“What you do is important in this world,” he said. “The importance of the deterrence you provide is without equal.”
Submarine Squadron 17 is responsible for manning, training and equipping seven ballistic missile submarines and 14 crews homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.13.2013 13:19 |
| Story ID: | 113612 |
| Location: | BANGOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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