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USS Nevada Changes Command, Combines Crews

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070612-08
Release Date: 6/12/2007 2:30:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Cmdr. Mark Behning relieved Cmdr. Eric Holloway as commanding officer of USS Nevada (SSBN 733), combining the Blue and Gold crews into one at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Deterrent Park on June 8.

During Holloway’s tenure, his Sailors achieved multiple awards including two consecutive Battle "E’s" and Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence awards. They also received the Navigation “N,” Deck Seamanship “D,” and Tactical Operations “T” for 2005 and 2006.

Guest speaker, Capt. Kerry D. Ingalls, commander of Submarine Squadron 19, talked about the success of Holloway's tour and the many achievements he and his crew made.

“By far the most important aspect of Cmdr. Holloway’s legacy -- the key ingredient to the goodness that is Nevada Blue -- has been the readiness and success of his people,” said Ingalls. “In sum, Cmdr. Holloway improved his ship in every area, every day, every month and every year of his command tour."

Commander Submarine Group 9 Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan was unable to attend the change of command and crew combination ceremony, but left a message with Ingalls for Holloway.

“In operations and strategic deterrent patrols, your crew proved to be the best warfighting platform on the waterfront,” said Drennan. “You galvanized the Nevada (Blue) into a winning team and in them your legacy will continue.”

During the ceremony, Holloway received a Legion of Merit for outstanding service as the commanding officer of Nevada from October 2004 to June.

“My submarine career and especially my command tour have been a real adventure,” said Holloway. “I did something that is important to my country and had a lot of fun doing it. Most importantly, I served with some of the most outstanding people I have ever met.”

Behning kept his comments short, but showed enthusiasm for being able to take command of the Nevada’s combined crew.

With the change of command over, the Blue and Gold crews of the Nevada are officially combined in preparation for an overhaul period scheduled for early next year.