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USS Maine holds a Change of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071110-03
Release Date: 11/10/2007 3:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Gold) held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Plaza, Nov. 9.

More than 100 guests bid a formal farewell to Cmdr. George Norman, departing commanding officer and welcomed Cmdr. William Breitfelder to the command.

"The ceremony we're conducting today is both a celebration and at the same time very serious business," Capt. Kerry Ingalls, commodore, Submarine Squadron 19. "The official purpose is to transfer complete authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commanding officer to another and to do so in the presence of the crew."

Ingalls said this ceremony is as well a recognition and celebration of all the hard work and success of the Maine crew.

The change of command ceremony is based on the strongest of naval traditions. During the ceremony, Norman took a few moments to praise the Sailors' and officers' commitment to their jobs.

"I want to extend my personal thanks to all of the Bangor area commands that support those of us on the waterfront," said Norman. "I would also like to thank the officers and Sailors of USS Maine; no leader accomplishes anything without the help of a team."

Before being relieved from his duties, Norman reenlisted five Sailors as part of the celebration.

"I cannot think of any better way to celebrate my change of command than with the very Sailors I have come to love and respect both in my time as a captain, but also throughout my entire career," said Norman. "I want to say thanks to each of you for your commitment to the service of the Navy and for allowing me to share in this career milestone."

"I look forward to working with the USS Maine's crew to continue to provide the strategic deterrent mission vital to our nation's security," said Breitfelder.

Maine is the first submarine and third warship named for the 23rd state of the union.