The gold crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) conducted a change of command ceremony at the Keyport Undersea Museum, Jan. 23.
Cmdr. Alexander Baerg, from Everett, Washington, relieved Cmdr. Jake Wadsley, from Alta, Iowa, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of commanding officer for the Nebraska gold crew.
"It has been my honor and privilege to serve on Nebraska," said Wadsley. "Our SSBN force today continues to stand the watch at sea, quietly doing the important job of strategic deterrence. Shipmates, thank you for serving with me as we accomplished this important mission."
Wadsley assumed command of the Nebraska gold crew following a crew split in 2016 after the boat had completed a 41-month engineered refueling overhaul (ERO) to extend the life of the submarine for another 20 years. During his leadership, the crew successfully completed Nebraska's first strategic deterrent patrol in over 4 years, they planned and executed a major drone defense drill to improve tactics and response to unmanned drones, and completed a strategic on load two days early.
"Shipmates, you truly are the lifeblood of the ship," said Wadsley. "Each of you volunteered to do something that you knew was important work, even if you didn't know all the different things that were involved in the day-to-day business of serving on a submarine. You work hard every day, spending time away from the people you love and the comforts of life ashore in order to serve our great nation and protect our way of life. Thank you. But, in the long tradition of the sea, it is almost time for me to pass the reins of command to another. Commander Alex Baerg is an impressive naval officer, who has spent his career preparing for this day. Nebraska couldn't be in better hands."
Wadsley's next assignment will be in Washington D.C., where he will serve on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Baerg comes to Nebraska gold from Commander, Submarine Squadron 17, where he served as the Chief Staff Officer.
"To the crew of Nebraska, I thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices you've made serving our country," said Baerg. "As I've met with some of you over the past few weeks, I am awestruck by the eye watering skill and dedication each of you have."
Nebraska is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the most survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.