USS Pennsylvania (Gold) change of command

Photo By Lt.j.g. Nancy diBenedetto | Cmdr. Andrew Clark, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony for the Gold Crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735). Clark turned over command to Cmdr. Roger C. Ferguson during the ceremony held at the Keyport Undersea Museum, March 15, 2018. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nancy C. diBenedetto)  

KEYPORT, WA, UNITED STATES

03.15.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nancy diBenedetto 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

KEYPORT, Wash -- The Gold crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony, March 15.

Cmdr. Roger C. Ferguson relieved Cmdr. Andrew J. Clark during the ceremony held at the Naval Undersea Museum.

"At every change ceremony, the outgoing commanding officer has discussed how command was the most fulfilling and rewarding tour of their career," said Clark. "I am no exception. This has been the most rewarding and fulfilling tour of my career. I treasured every day, even the ones where everything went wrong, and I know looking back, this tour will be the one I want to do again."

Clark assumed command of Pennsylvania's Gold crew March 17, 2015. His next assignment will be at United States Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska.

"I could not have asked for a better crew to serve with! Success depends on the talent and hard work of both the crew and command leadership team," said Clark. "You achieved success in very trying conditions throughout my tour in command. You fought through major emergent material issues in every part of the ship to keep us at sea, resulting in the completion of our recent 116-day patrol, the second longest SSBN patrol on record. I am incredibly proud of the work ethic, attitude and spirit you display every day! I know you will continue to grow and improve every day with Cmdr. Ferguson."

Ferguson comes to Pennsylvania from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served as the deputy executive assistant to Adm. Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. This will be his first commanding officer tour.

"Cmdr. Clark, thank you for our service and dedication in command of Pennsylvania. We are a stronger ship and stronger Navy for your service and the sacrifice of you and your family," said Ferguson. "To the crew of the USS Pennsylvania, thank you and your families for your service and sacrifice. All that we do supports our vital mission of strategic deterrence and provides the very foundation of our national defense and global security. Each and every one of you should be incredibly proud of what you do. I am honored to be your commanding officer, and I am looking forward to serving with you."

Pennsylvania is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the most survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.

• Date Taken: 03.15.2018
• Date Posted: 03.15.2018 17:29
• Story ID: 269586
• Location: KEYPORT, WA, US