Military

USS Frank Cable Bids Farewell to CO

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070809-03
Release Date: 8/9/2007 9:54:00 AM

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- At a farewell speech given to his Navy and local friends aboard USS Frank Cable (AS-40) July 31, Capt. Leo Goff spoke about the challenges and rewards he experienced as commanding officer of the ship.

“I wanted to be on the deckplates,” said Goff. “I wanted to be at sea, training people who really wanted to learn.”

Following Navy tradition, Capt. Patrick Scanlon, the former chief of staff to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, relieved Goff of his duties.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Bruce MacDonald, Judge Advocate General’s Corps/Judge Advocate General of the Navy, described the ship and its crew, under the guidance of Goff, as providing the “right force in the right place, at the right time.”

“He’s been an exceptional leader with a clear understanding of the strategic importance of maintaining forward-deployed sea power in this theater,” said Scanlon.

One of only two submarine tenders in the Navy, Frank Cable provides maintenance and repairs of submarines stationed in the southwest Pacific.

It is homeported in Apra Harbor with more than 1,300 men and women serving aboard, and has achieved the highest grades in inspections and audits while making port visits to Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and other foreign destinations.

“You completed the mission and took care of your Sailors in the process,” said MacDonald to Goff.

As his last official act, Goff continued that legacy by command-advancing five of his enlisted Sailors in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Before reading his orders to report to Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group in Newport, R.I., Goff praised Guam, the ship and its crew one last time.

“And my only advice is when they start running, stay out of the way because they can take it to the top,” said Goff to the incoming commanding officer.

After assuming command, Scanlon said he looks forward to continuing Goff’s tradition of service by working with the ship’s crew in support of the 7th Fleet.

“My challenge to you is to continue to improve on a day to day basis so we can execute our mission better tomorrow than we do today,” said Scanlon to his new crew.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Southern California, Scanlon has served aboard several submarines, including USS Gurnard (SSN-662), USS Permit(SSN-594) and USS William H. Bates (SSN-680).

He was also the combat systems officer for USS Topeka (SSN-754) and the commanding officer of USS Asheville (SSN-758) from February 2002 to April 2005.