Henry M. Jackson Blue Welcomes New Commanding Officer

BANGOR, WA, UNITED STATES

11.16.2018

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Gray 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) conducted a change of command ceremony at the Bangor Chapel, Nov. 16.

Cmdr. Nathan Luther, from Sacramento, California, relieved Cmdr. John Frye, from San Diego, California, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer for the Henry M. Jackson Blue crew.

"It is an honor to be here and it has been my honor to serve as the commanding officer of Henry M. Jackson Blue for the past 37 months," said Frye. "Without a doubt, this has been the most difficult and exhausting, yet rewarding, job I have ever had."

Frye assumed command of Henry M. Jackson's Blue crew on Oct. 23, 2015. During his leadership, the crew conducted three strategic deterrent patrols, completed three waterborne refits and an extended dry-dock refit and the crew achieved above average marks on numerous inspections.

"For the crew, thank you for everyday bringing your best to the table and refusing to give in no matter what insurmountable obstacles were in your way," said Frye. "Thank you for the duty you stood, the days you stayed late, and the ideas and energy you brought to the table. Thank you for developing a working environment where we celebrate the success of our shipmates and refuse to leave anyone behind."

Frye's next assignment will be in Stuttgart, Germany, where he will serve on the staff of United States European Command as the Counter Terrorism/Special Operations Branch Chief.

Luther comes to Henry M. Jackson from Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, where he served as the as the Director for Special Operations.

"I am excited to become a part of this Henry M. Jackson team because I know that it has both the talent and the desire to win," said Luther. "We will certainly combat many challenges as we make our ship and ourselves as ready as possible for battle, but every challenge will be an opportunity to win as a team. I can't wait to seize those opportunities with you."

Henry M. Jackson celebrated 34 years since its commissioning in October. The submarine is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. She is the only U.S. Navy ship to be named after United States Senator Henry M. Jackson and the only Ohio-class submarine that is not named after a state.

• Date Taken: 11.16.2018
• Date Posted: 11.16.2018 17:33
• Story ID: 300355
• Location: BANGOR, WA, US