KEYPORT, Wash. -- The Gold crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) welcomed a new commanding officer during a ceremony at the Keyport Undersea Museum, Dec. 14.
Cmdr. Matthew Freniere, from Fairborn, Ohio, relieved Capt. Kevin Macy, from El Dorado, California, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer for the Henry M. Jackson Gold crew.
"This ceremony serves a time honored purpose, and it also serves as a chance to reflect and honor the Sailors who have accomplished so much over the past three years," said Macy. "The Henry M. Jackson Sailors and their families have done something of great value and have done it very well."
Macy assumed command of Henry M. Jackson's Gold crew March 4, 2016. During his 1003 days as commanding officer, the crew conducted three and a half strategic deterrent patrols, completed multiple waterborne refits and an extended dry-dock refit and the crew achieved above average marks on numerous inspections. He awarded 120 personal awards to the crew and pinned over 110 submarine warfare qualification devices, or "dolphins".
"Henry M. Jackson warriors, I will miss each and every one of you," said Macy. "Cmdr. Freniere, I was extremely pleased when I got your orders. Being able to turn the boat over to a friend is a blessing. I know that you are the right person for the job. I hand over into your care a group of amazing Sailors just primed to excel."
Macy's next assignment will be as a student at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Freniere comes to Henry M. Jackson Gold from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, where he served as the deputy commander.
"To the crew, while I know that Capt. Macy worked hard, it is clearly evident that every one of you worked just as hard or harder to get the ship and team to where you are today," said Freniere. "Where Henry M. Jackson is today, is right where anyone would love to be joining the team. I am looking forward to joining such a professional and skilled team."
Henry M. Jackson celebrated 34 years since its commissioning in October. The submarine is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. She is the only U.S. Navy ship to be named after United States Senator Henry M. Jackson and the only Ohio-class submarine that is not named after a state.