Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Eli Buguey | KINGS BAY, Georgia (June 8, 2018) Cmdr. Mike Paisant is rung as commanding officer of...... read more read more
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The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Gold) held a change of command at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay World War II memorial pavilion, June 8.
Cmdr. Chris Horgan, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was relieved by Cmdr. Michael Paisant as commanding officer of Maryland (Gold).
During his remarks, Horgan spoke of his crew’s teamwork and overall proficiency. “Every week at sea, I saw the greatness of Maryland Sailors. From quick watch team decisions that kept the ship safe, to emergent repairs too numerous to name to keep the ship at sea,” Horgan said. “If I have left any mark on Maryland, I hope it is my love of the sea, and my enduring respect for all those who choose to go to sea on submarines.”
Capt. Bob Wirth, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 20, served as the guest speaker for the event. “Once reconstituted and out to see, we put Maryland Gold through a series of major inspections designed to test their readiness for both peacetime and wartime operations. Maryland Fold, conducting their first major inspections following an extended overhaul period, achieved scored that nay seasoned crew would be proud of,” said Wirth.
“Through all the Maryland Gold has accomplished, Chris and his team managed to maintain above average in personnel metrics. Among his Sailors eligible to reenlist, nearly 80% have chosen to do so.”
Wirth also praised the crew of Maryland Gold for their successful port visit to Faslane, Scotland, one of the first of its kind. “Chris took his team across the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating convincingly the global reach of the SSBN force. I had the opportunity to visit the crew and witness the friendly, professional manner with which Maryland Gold represented all of us to our partners in the Royal Navy, and to our friends in the United Kingdom.”
Paisant, a New Orleans native, was last stationed at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or NGA. His most recent operational assignment was as executive officer aboard USS Georgia (SSGN 729).
During his remarks, Paisant expressed his enthusiasm for the crew’s mission and its success. “We are charged with Strategic Deterrence, the most important mission in the Department of Defense, and must be ready. I look forward to continuing the traditions and warfighting spirit I have come to observe during my turnover,” Paisant said. “We will train hard, fight hard and embrace a culture of continuous improvement so that we are ready when our number is called. 738 will be ready.”
For his next tour, Horgan will report to the staff of Commander, Submarine Group 10.
Maryland is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the State of Maryland and the 13th of 18 Ohio-class submarines.
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2018 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 280775 |
| Location: | KINGS BAY, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 738 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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