• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS San Francisco Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080428-09
Release Date: 4/28/2008 3:24:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Crystal Habbershon, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Cmdr. Nathan H. Martin relieved Capt. David A. Ogburn as commanding officer of USS San Francisco (SSN 711) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor's Deterrent Park, April 25.

Ogburn was promoted to the rank of captain as part of the ceremony.

"As a good skipper, (Ogburn) was always the first person to pass the credit where he thought it was due. It just so happens that most of the time the crew was responsible for the credit," said Capt. Charles A. Richards, Commander Submarine Squadron 17, guest speaker of the ceremony. "He always seemed to have a handle on every angle, not only looking ahead but planning ahead as well."

Ogburn assumed command of San Francisco in the fall of 2005, shortly after their arrival in Bremerton, and 31 months later he will be moving on.

"This has been a duty that has filled me with pride and admiration," said Ogburn. "Pride comes with the territory along with serving my country and with these fine men."

Ogburn continued his speech giving credit to his crew for a final time. He talked about their job well done in dry dock, and just as a crew altogether.

"It would be a strange officer who didn't want to take a command position, but stranger yet would be an officer who wouldn't be sad leaving his command. This is a great crew, both personally and professionally; they are truly exemplary both on and off duty," added Ogburn.

Martin also had great praise for Ogburn and the crew of San Francisco.

"This is a great crew. I have seen how they operate over the last month and I am excited to take command," said Martin. "I have seen this crew perform to the highest of standards and I know that it will not change for me."

As the ceremony came to a conclusion, there was a small reception for the more than 50 guests who enjoyed the ceremony and for the 90 participants of the ceremony itself.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.