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Tolliver Takes Helm of USS Maine

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060713-13
7/13/2006

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Hodges Pone III, Northwest Region Fleet Public Affairs Center

SILVERDALE, Wash (NNS) -- Cmdr. John Tolliver assumed the title as USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Blue) commanding officer from Cmdr. Robert Palisin II in a ceremony held in the Jack Murdoch Auditorium at the Naval Undersea Museum, Keyport, July 7.

Maine’s Blue Crew was present as Tolliver received his orders of command for the Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarine.

“I am honored to be here to recognize Cmdr. Palisin for an exceptional tour as commanding officer and to applaud the remarkable crew,” said Capt. Joseph Rogers, commander, Submarine Squadron 16 and commander, Submarine Squadron 20. “[Palisin] is the most positive, forward-thinking and enthusiastic leader that I have come across in my 26 years in the U.S. Navy.”

Rogers said Palisin’s tenure as Maine’s Blue commanding officer was a success. During his term, the ship was awarded various commendations and awards including the Battle “E” and the Gold Anchors for retention excellence.

Rogers welcomed Tolliver aboard as commanding officer and commended Palisin’s efforts and wished him well before departing to his new assignment with the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Palisin was appreciative to the crew for his time aboard and thanked them for all the support they have given during his time aboard.

“I am thankful for all of the awards I was presented, but they were not earned by me,” he said. “They were earned by the Blue Crew of USS Maine. It was their hard work and dedication from the day I assumed command.”

“Though my previous tours were fun, my tour as commanding officer aboard USS Maine has been the best,” said Palisin. “It has truly been great to serve as your CO and I hope, as I promised when I took command, that I provided enough training to get the job done. It is time to move on.”