Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Riley | Capt. Andrew Cain, commanding officer of the Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS...... read more read more
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More than 40 years ago, Howard Riggert, a retired contractor for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, went underway aboard the first boat of a new class of ballistic missile submarines, during the boat’s sea trials in 1981. Fast-forward to the Navy’s birthday on Oct. 13, 2024 —he was once again invited aboard the submarine he helped create.
The crew of USS Ohio (SSGN 726), since converted into a guided-missile submarine, welcomed Riggert and his family for a tour and the opportunity to show his grandsons the submarine he supported so long ago.
“I was initially responsible for one [piece of] equipment for the Ohio-class starting with creating the specification in the early 1970s,” said Riggert. “Then continuing through the design, qualification, and delivery. It culminated with me being the sole company representative during the initial sea trials of the Ohio in 1981 and Michigan in 1982.”
Earlier this year, Riggert’s daughter asked him if there was anywhere that she could take him in the world, where would it be. Riggert quickly responded, saying he wanted to visit the Ohio one more time.
“My fondest memory working as part of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has been my participation in what has become the pride of the Navy, and, representing my home state, the Ohio-class of submarines,” said Riggert.
The look of pride in Riggert’s eyes as he toured the boat again after four decades was clear as day.
“Being able to tour the Ohio represents the near culmination of a successful career that contributed a proud asset to the nation’s defense and representation of my home state,” said Riggert. “I especially enjoyed being able to show the Ohio to my wife, daughter and her two sons who are very interested in the history of the Navy.”
When asked if he has any advice for submariners he said, “The only advice I can give to Sailors, which is probably unnecessary since they have been through Nuclear Power School, is to know your equipment, follow procedures, and continue the proud tradition of the Nuclear Navy.”
Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9 exercises administrative control authority for assigned submarine commands and units in the Pacific Northwest providing oversight for shipboard training, personnel, supply and material readiness of SSBNs and their crews. SUBGRU-9 is also responsible for nuclear submarines undergoing conversion or overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton.
SUBGRU-9’s subordinate commands include Submarine Readiness Squadron 31, Submarine Squadrons 17 and 19 and eight SSBNs, two SSGNs, and four SSNs, homeported in the Pacific Northwest.
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2024 17:54 |
| Story ID: | 483695 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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