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Burian Relieves Stanley As Commanding Officer Of Los Angeles

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060712-09
7/12/2006

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Cmdr. Erik Burian relieved Cmdr. Thomas Stanley as commanding officer of the submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) in a ceremony July 10 on the pier at Pearl Harbor Naval Station.

Capt. Michael Zieser, former commodore of Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 1, was on hand to reflect on Los Angeles’ success during Stanley’s tenure as commanding officer.

“Stanley led the way in developing a winning mindset among his crew,” Zieser said. “Los Angeles repeatedly was the crew I came to rely upon. Their 'never-say-die' attitude was profoundly evident when they completed a normal 14-month training period between deployments in less than six months. This included four major inspections, an operational reactor safeguards examination, a tactical readiness examination, a dry deck shelter certification and pre-overseas movement certification.”

“Most importantly...following those inspections,” Zieser continued, “Los Angeles went on deployment where she completed two missions vital to national security, as well as six multinational exercises with our Pacific Rim allies. For their efforts, the crew was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, a testimony to the team Cmdr. Tom Stanley developed.”

Prior to presenting the Meritorious Service Medal to Stanley for his service commanding Los Angeles, he assured that the submarine was still in good hands as Stanley heads to the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.

“Cmdr. Burian was the deputy commander for readiness of Submarine Squadron 1 while I was commodore,” he explained. “I can think of no better man to lead the crew of ‘the first and finest.'”

In his departing remarks, Stanley thanked his department heads, chiefs, wardroom and divisions who adapted and overcame the long months at sea and arduous periods in the shipyard during his command.

“To the crew of Los Angeles,” Stanley said. “You are the hardest working and most resilient crew of any that I have served with. You never cease to amaze me. You are truly unstoppable. Thank you for your service to your country, the Navy, the submarine force and the USS Los Angeles.”

After Stanley and Burian read their orders and the respective command pennants were presented and raised, Burian conveyed his gratitude to Stanley. He also gave the crew of Los Angeles a pep talk before getting to work.

“I am extremely proud to be given the tremendous opportunity and challenge of taking command of this fine ship and crew,” Burian said. “L.A. is on the verge of returning to sea and superbly ready to do so thanks to Cmdr. Stanley and his true team of professionals. To the submarine warriors of the USS Los Angeles, bravo zulu for the many hours of hard work to get our ship ready. I am eager to lead you to future successes aboard the ‘first and finest.' Let’s get back to sea.”

In addition to his tour on the staff of COMSUBRON 1, Burian has served on four submarines, including a tour as executive officer of USS Georgia (SSBN 729). He is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

For related news, visit the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/subpac/.