Submarine Squadron 19 Changes Command

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Allen Lee | 191021-N-DI108-0387 KEYPORT, Wash. (Oct. 21, 2019) Capt. Richard M. Massie, right, relieves Capt. Michael D. Lewis, left, as commanding officer of Submarine Squadron (CSS) 19 during a change-of-command ceremony. CSS-19 is directly responsible for manning, training and equipping its subordinate submarine crews to accomplish their strategic, strike and operations missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Allen Lee)  

KEYPORT, WA, UNITED STATES

10.21.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Allen Lee  

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

KEYPORT, Wash. (Oct. 21, 2019) – Submarine Squadron (CSS) 19 held a change of command ceremony at the U.S Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Oct. 21.

Capt. Michael D. Lewis was relieved by Capt. Richard M. Massie as the commanding officer of CSS-19 in a ceremony attended by distinguished visitors, guests and crew.

“I have had the honor of serving for quite the number of years at Submarine Squadron 19, and I couldn’t be prouder of the staff as well as the commanding officers and crews of the submarines assigned to us,” said, Lewis. “For all that they’ve really done to make all of our successes a reality, it's them that made it happen.”

Lewis received the Legion of Merit Award as his end-of-tour award for his service as commanding officer.

“This reward is really the results of a lot of giants whose shoulders I have stood on,” said Lewis “It’s also the result of an amazing team of leaders, hardworking devoted individuals at Submarine Squadron 19.”

Massie delivered his remarks and thanks to Lewis after receiving command of Submarine Squadron 19.

“Your leadership, experience and insight impacted me during my time here as deputy, and has clearly had years-long impact of building an impressive team that you turned over to me today,” said Massie. “I will endeavor to continue the strong legacy that previous commanders built. To the staff of Submarine Squadron 19, it is humbling to be entrusted with the leadership of such a professionally experienced group and warfighters, leaders and technical experts. It’s an honor to be your commodore. I’m in awe of what you do, whether it's forward deploying our force’s most lethal war fighting platforms, executing grueling and complex maintenance, refueling our ballistic-missile submarine or inactivating our proud fast-attack submarines. I’m excited to be working with all of you.”

For more news from CSS-19, visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/css19/

• Date Taken: 10.21.2019
• Date Posted: 10.22.2019 14:52
• Story ID: 348527
• Location: KEYPORT, WA, US