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USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Combines Crew
By: Petty Officer 1st Class Rebecca Ives
KEYPORT, Washington (June 27, 2019) - The Ohio-class, ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) Blue and Gold crew combined to USS Louisiana (Green) in a ceremony at U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, Washington, June 27.
Louisiana Blue commanding officer, Cdr. Chimi I. Zacot, was relieved by Gold commanding officer, Cmdr. Martin E. Sprague II.
Capt. Todd A. Figanbaum, commander, Submarine Squadron 17 served as the guest speaker for the ceremony and praised the performance of both crews.
"Today… blue and gold will combine to a single unit," said Figanbaum. "This combination is a tangible symbol of the crew's commitment to completing the mission."
Under the command of Zacot, Louisiana (Blue) has accomplished multiple strategic deterrent patrols and refits. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments during the ceremony.
During his remarks, Zacot praised the performance of both crews and the support personnel that worked to keep Louisiana operational and mission focused.
"Success onboard a submarine doesn't come without a lot of support," said Zacot. "Submarining at its finest is a team sport."
Sprague takes command of the combined crew after serving as commanding officer of USS Louisiana (Gold) since 2017. During the ceremony, Sprague echoed Zacot's comments and pledged to continue their work in making Louisiana successful.
"I'm extremely proud to be the commanding officer of the USS Louisiana," said Sprague. "The legacy of the Louisiana is that ready to work and ready to fight are combined and it's their not so secret recipe for success."
Louisiana 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: | 06.27.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2019 15:44 |
| Story ID: | 329535 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 547 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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