Photo By Lt. Stuart Phillips | KINGS BAY, Ga., (May 27, 2021) Cmdr. Jason Anderson delivers remarks at the change of...... read more read more
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KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) –The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (Gold) conducted a change of command onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, May 27.
Cmdr. David Burke relieved Cmdr. Jason Anderson as commanding officer of the ship’s Gold crew during a ceremony held at the base chapel.
Guest speaker Rear Adm. John Spencer, commander, Submarine Group Ten, praised Anderson for his accomplishments as commanding officer.
“Having taken command shortly after the USS Rhode Island’s mid-life Engineered Refueling Overhaul in Norfolk, Jason and his crew succeeded in returning to strategic service,” said Spencer. “It is no small feat to identify and correct all of the operational weaknesses that inevitably come around when a crew and boat go through such an extensive maintenance period.”
Under Anderson’s command, the Gold crew completed a Demonstration and Shake Down Operation and three strategic deterrent patrols.
“Jason’s leadership is reflected in the continuing commitment of Rhode Island Gold, earning them the 2019 and 2020 Enlisted Retention awards,” said Spencer. “And professionally, the Rhode Island Gold crew has excelled, earning the 2020 Squadron Twenty Battle “E”, 2020 Engineering Red “E”, and 2019 White Strategic “S.” They also had the highest possible result for their most recent Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam, showing their skill and dedication to excellence.”
Anderson thanked the crew for their hard work both deployed and in port.
“Being in command of the USS Rhode Island Gold, in my ‘unbiased’ opinion the best crew on the waterfront, is the best job in the world,” said Anderson. “There is no greater professional satisfaction than leading a brilliant team of professionals to conduct the honorable mission of strategic deterrence.”
Anderson praised the crew for their work ethic and dedication to the mission.
“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all,” said Anderson. “My Rhode Island Sailors most certainly turn up their sleeves. Thank you, crew. Without you, I most certainly wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Anderson is from Riverdale, Georgia, and enlisted in the Nuclear Power training program in 1995. He graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 2000.
Burke, the incoming commanding officer, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in computer science in 2003. In 2016, he completed an Executive Master of Business Administration degree through the Naval Postgraduate School.
Burke reports to Rhode Island after serving as flag secretary to the commander of Navy Region Southeast.
“In my time observing and meeting with the Rhode Island Gold team, it is readily apparent that you understand your role in the security of our nation, and you execute the strategic mission with exceptional dedication,” said Burke. “We cannot let up, and I will challenge you to continue to be the strategic asset that is routinely called upon to keep our country safe.”
Anderson will now serve as the deputy commodore for training at Submarine Squadron Twenty.
USS Rhode Island was commissioned July 9, 1994, and is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, the home to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit https://www.sublant.usff.navy.mil/CSG10/.
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2021 15:18 |
| Story ID: | 397610 |
| Location: | GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,657 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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