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Kelso Assumes Command of Submarine Squadron 8

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070804-02
Release Date: 8/4/2007 8:11:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christina M. Shaw, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Capt. Robert Kelso relieved Capt. Earl Carter as commander, Submarine Squadron 8 Aug. 3, in a ceremony at Pier 3, Naval Station Norfolk, aboard nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Boise (SSN 764).

The ceremony opened with a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by country music recording artist Traci Lynn, one of Carter’s guests whom traveled from Austin, Texas. Lynn was one of many in attendance who had crossed paths with Carter in his two-year tenure at Submarine Squadron 8.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Cecil D. Haney, Commander, Submarine Group 2 expressed what an honor it was to attend.

“Being here today gave me a chance to publicly commend and thank you and your superb squadron staff for your sustained commitment to our great country through successful submarine missions and capabilities,” said Haney. “You have fully supported our Navy and our submarine strategic vision to fully develop a competent submarine core Sailor to carry out our Nation's bidding.”

Carter’s next tour will be as the executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel. Haney noted that Carter’s contributions were large and he would be sorely missed.

“I am proud of the fact that Earl leveraged the quality and the enthusiasm of his people into real readiness and real capabilities. His tour as submarine squadron’s commodore is marked by great mission success,” said Haney.

Under Carter’s leadership, the submarines in Squadron 8 logged more than 260 days in support of the global war on terrorism, and deployed the first submarine to navigate solely using the voyage management system.

“We are forward deployed to the vast reaches of the globe contributing with our friends, partners and allies to provide peace and stability in a world that is complex and continually evolving, but it remains dependent on the freedom of the seas for not just ours but for a worldwide economic viability,” said Haney. “To achieve success it requires competent leaders and that is exactly what Commodore Carter has provided our great Navy as the leader of Submarine Squadron 8.”

Carter graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in civil engineering and mathematics. He received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He also holds a Master of Science degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.

During the ceremony, Carter was awarded his third Legion of Merit award.

Kelso was previously stationed at the National War College in Washington D.C., where he completed his Joint Military education, earning a master's degree in National Security Strategy.

Kelso began his naval career following graduation from Virginia Tech in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He received his commission through the Nuclear Power Officer Candidate program.

Following graduation, he completed nuclear power training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course before being assigned to USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709), where he served in several division officer positions.

In 1988 he reported to the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa for instructor duty and also served as shift engineer and operations officer at the S8G Prototype. Shortly after completing his tour, Kelso graduated from the Submarine Officer Advanced Course and went on to serve as the engineering officer on USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) (Gold).

Following Pennsylvania, he reported to the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs in 1994 as the Research and Development Programs officer. During his tour, Kelso earned a master’s degree in engineering management from Catholic University.

Kelso served as executive officer on USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) in 1996 before transferring to the Office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff where he served as Deputy Legislative Assistant.

After completion of Prospective Commanding Officer training, Kelso served as commanding officer on USS Hartford (SSN 768) from March 2001 to June 2004. He was then assigned as Deputy Commander for Operations at Submarine Development Squadron 12 from July 2003 to January 2004. Kelso completed his second command tour on board USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), where he served as the initial commanding officer from January 2004 to June 2006.