USS Louisiana Changes Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Hafer | SILVERDALE, Wash. (March 25, 2022) – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Lester Patterson, from Gooding, Idaho, left, shakes hands with Cmdr. Michael Kessler, from Hauppauge, N.Y., during a change of command ceremony for the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), March 25, 2022. Louisiana commissioned on Sept. 6, 1997, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The ship is the 18th and last submarine of the Ohio-class of ballistic-missile submarines, and the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Hafer)  

SILVERDALE, WA, UNITED STATES

03.25.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Hafer 

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

SILVERDALE, Wash. (March 25, 2022) – (NNS) The Ohio-class ballistic-
missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) conducted a change of
command at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, Wash., March 25.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael Kessler, from Hauppauge, N.Y., relieved Cmdr.
Lester Patterson, from Gooding, Idaho, to assume the duties and
responsibilities of Louisiana’s commanding officer. Patterson, who commissioned through officer candidate school in 2002, had served
in that role since March, 2020.

“You all made my tour truly the best I have ever had,” said Patterson,
addressing Louisiana’s crew. “It takes a lot of work to get a ship
operationally ready; you all went farther than I could have ever imagined.
Thank you -- it has been an honor to be your commanding officer.”

Kessler expressed his gratitude towards Patterson and the command’s crew for their professionalism and commitment.

“Cmdr. Patterson, I wish you and your family continued success as you take
on your next challenge,” said Kessler. “To the crew; I am deeply honored to
be a part of the Louisiana family. Together, we will continue the ship’s
long legacy of strategic deterrence to protect America and our way of life.”

Since the 1960s, strategic deterrence has been the SSBNs sole mission, providing the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability.


Louisiana commissioned on Sept. 6, 1997, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The ship is the 18th and last submarine of the Ohio-class of ballistic-missile submarines, and the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. For more news about Louisiana and other Commander, Submarine Group 9 units, visit www.facebook.com/SubGru9 or www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2022
• Date Posted: 03.26.2022 13:05
• Story ID: 417244
• Location: SILVERDALE, WA, US