USS Nevada (SSBN 733) Blue Crew Welcomes New Commanding Officer

BANGOR, WA, UNITED STATES

10.04.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Rebecca Ives 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

BANGOR, Wash. (Oct. 4, 2019) -- The Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) welcomed a new commanding officer, Oct. 4, during a change of command ceremony at Keyport, Washington.

Cmdr. Eric Hunter, from Jonesboro, Georgia, relieved Capt. Ryan Heilman, from Aurora, Colorado, and assumed the duties and responsibilities as the Nevada Blue commanding officer during the change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum.

Rear Adm. Douglas Perry, Commander, Submarine Group 9, was the guest speaker at the event.

"Command is the foundation of our Navy," said Perry. "Our Navy grants the commanding officer remarkable authority and responsibility. At their best, a commanding officer can lead Sailors to fantastic achievements that could only be accomplished through united, collective action. At their best, a commanding officer can change the lives of his crew and influence the trajectory of his nation for the better. Capt. Ryan Heilman was a commanding officer at his best, and he is in good company."

Heilman attributed his success aboard the Nevada to the Sailors.

"The United States has the most powerful Navy because of the men and women who serve their country every day," said Heilman. "They are the brightest and best, and there is no better example than the Sailors at team Bangor and especially, the crew of USS Nevada - Blue!"

Heilman assumed command of Nevada Blue on March 11, 2016. Under his leadership, his team finished dry dock refit early and was able to get underway early or on time for every underway. The USS Nevada (Blue and Gold) was awarded the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Omaha Trophy as well as the 2018 Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Award.

"Nevada, thank you for your absolutely eye-watering performance over so many years, doing your part to enable the consistent, effective strategic deterrence that, for over 60 years, has prevented major power war," said Heilman. "Your officers, chiefs and crew are heroes to me."

Heilman's next assignment will be Deputy Commander of Commander, Submarine Squadron 17.

Hunter comes to Nevada Blue from Combat Readiness Evaluation Team at Submarine Force Atlantic.

"I am honored to now be a part of a crew with a reputation of excellence," said Hunter. "A reputation that each of you have worked so hard to earn. You're a crew of hard-workers, focused on mission accomplishment, that looks after each other like a family. I could not ask for more in a group of men and I look forward to leading you into continued success."

Nevada is one of eight Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the most survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces. The boat celebrated 33 years of service Aug. 16, 2019.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2019
• Date Posted: 10.04.2019 17:18
• Story ID: 346130
• Location: BANGOR, WA, US
• Hometown: AURORA, CO, US
• Hometown: JONESBORO, GA, US