Photo By Lt.j.g. Nancy diBenedetto | Cmdr. Kelly Laing, from Idaho Falls, Idaho delivers remarks during a change of command...... read more read more
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BANGOR, Wash. -- The Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) welcomed a new commanding officer during a change of command ceremony, April 6, 2018.
Cmdr. Michael C. Tomon, from New Castle, Pennsylvania, relieved Cmdr. Kelly Laing, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Maine Blue crew commanding officer, during the ceremony held at the Bangor Chapel.
Laing assumed command of Maine Blue crew August, 13, 2015. During his leadership, the crew conducted successful patrols in areas including periods of alert coverage, execution of externally generated exercise which resulted in superb results on an Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam and Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection.
"To the crew, you truly are the heart that beats in our shark of steel," said Laing. "With each time I shout my battle cry, you have responded with enthusiasm and conviction of what we are fighting for. You are the best crew the Submarine Force has to offer! It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve with you and I have been humbled each time you have called me 'Captain.'"
As his final act as commanding officer, Laing pinned submarine warfare devices "dolphins" onto Nuclear Machinist Mate Second Class, Lucas Niedbalec. During his leadership, the crew earned over 180 dolphins.
"Hanging throughout my ship is my command philosophy that each of my sailors has heard many times over," remarked Laing, "Inside of that philosophy is a quote by a man that I have admired all of my life, Thomas S. Monson. He stated, 'When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as what they should be, they will become what they should be.' Nothing is more important than the people."
Laing will next serve in Annapolis, Maryland for the United States Naval Academy.
Tomon comes from the United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, where he served as the doctrine branch chief.
"I am humbled by your dedication and your sacrifices to get the ship to this point. I urge you to not take any day for granted in the work remaining for us, and to remember that yesterday's success does not mean victory tomorrow," said Tomon. "Also, remember that our rightful place is not on the blocks at that shipyard. Join me as we shake off the scaffolding and rise from that dry dock to return to our true home in the Pacific Ocean, discharging our duties to protect this great nation."
Maine is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash. The mission of the SSBN force is strategic deterrence, by providing the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability.
| Date Taken: | 04.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2018 17:48 |
| Story ID: | 272134 |
| Location: | BANGOR , WA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,700 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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