USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold) Holds Change of Command

KINGS BAY, GA, UNITED STATES

08.29.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Ashley Berumen 

Commander, Submarine Group Ten

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) – The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold) held a change of command ceremony in the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, August 29.

Cmdr. Jon Schaffner was relieved by Cmdr. Matthew Luff as the commanding officer of Tennessee (Gold) in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, guests and crew.

“Jon’s contributions to tactical development will serve the submarine fleet for years to come,” said guest speaker Capt. Timothy Poe, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 15. “I know Jon’s leadership will be missed; strong, nurturing leadership with a healthy dose of sarcasm. Jon, congratulations on a job well done. “

Schaffner, a native of Casper, Wyoming, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2000. While in college, he joined the Navy through the Nuclear Power Officer Candidate program. His first assignment was aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Augusta (SSN 710).

“To the crew, we had a bond of trust that allowed me to provide you transparency,” said Schaffner. “You are doing a great job at carrying on the 119 years of rich tradition and heritage of submarine qualifications. We make good submariners aboard Tennessee!”

Schaffner assumed command of Tennessee (Gold) in March 2017 and successfully completed four strategic deterrent patrols and multiple refits.

“I am proud of what we have achieved,” said Schaffner. “You put in the extra effort and creativity to improve existing tactics and develop new advanced anti-submarine warfare tactics that will assist SSBNs to maximize our survivability and make it an unpleasant task for our enemies to engage us.”

Luff, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 2001. He previously served at Submarine Group Eight as the Chief of Staff/N4/Theater Nuclear Power Officer.

“The improvements you have made to how we do business on Tennessee ensure your legacy on this ship and across the waterfront,” said Luff to Schaffner. “Thank you for turning over the best crew of warfighters in the submarine force.”
During his speech, Luff recognized his aunt and uncle whose son, Sgt. Dave Luff, was killed in action November 2010 while serving in support of Operation New Dawn.

“The loss of my cousin Dave is a constant reminder to me that even in the strongest, best equipped and well-trained military in the world, combat is an inherently messy and dangerous job,” said Luff to the crew. “We will continue to train hard and keep our ship in the best possible material condition in order to be as ready as we can be for combat.”

Luff’s previous tours include division officer aboard USS Nevada (SSBN 733) (Blue), USS Toledo (SSN 769) as the Engineer Officer, and as the Executive Officer aboard USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735)(Gold).

“Your daily efforts support the most important mission in the U.S. military—strategic deterrence,” said Luff. “We work hard to maintain our ship and our readiness as warfighters because America requires that we all do our best.”

Luff also served as an assistant professor of Naval Science at the Naval Reserve Officer Training Unit, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Schaffner will now serve as the Deputy for Training at Commander, Submarine Squadron 20.

Tennessee is one of five ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base and is capable of carrying up to 20 submarine-launched ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.

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For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg10/.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2019
• Date Posted: 08.29.2019 16:29
• Story ID: 337933
• Location: KINGS BAY, GA, US