ubmarine Squadron 6 Welcomes New Commander
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080811-01
Release Date: 8/11/2008 5:53:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Todd A. Schaffer, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Submarine Squadron 6 held a change of command ceremony Aug. 8 aboard Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) at Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 3.
Capt. Chris Thomas relieved Capt. Dave Kriete as the squadron's commodore. Vice Adm. Jay Donnelly, commander, Submarine Force, served as the principle speaker at the ceremony.
"We look forward to a bright future as a new leader takes the helm at Submarine Squadron 6," said Donnelly. "Commodore Kriete has clearly excelled in this assignment."
Kriete and his Submarine Squadron 6 staff lead several highly successful deployments by USS Scranton (SSN 756), USS Albany (SSN 753), USS Montpelier (SSN 765) and USS Norfolk (SSN 714) in support of combatant commanders' efforts to combat terrorism and support stability around the world. Additionally the squadron saw record-setting overall officer and enlisted retention rates while under his command.
During the ceremony, Kriete gave many thanks for the support he received from the officers and enlisted crew of Submarine Squadron 6, his family and friends in attendance. He also gave special recognition to the group of submarine force veterans in attendance.
"These are the men who built our submarine force legacy that our crews of today try to measure up to; and they should all be honored not only for their past service, but also for their present service and telling their tales to positively influence today's generation submariners," said Kriete.
Kriete was present at each of the Submarine Squadron 6 submarine's homecomings after six-month deployments where he took the time to talk with family members and friends as they anticipated the return of their loved ones.
"Words can't describe the emotion felt on the pier when a ship returns from deployment," said Kriete.
He expressed special thanks and appreciation to Command Master Chief Kevin Bond whom Kriete reenlisted Aug. 7 as his last official act before departing. Bond will report as the Chief of the Boat for the Pre-Commissioning Unit California (SSN 780).
"I leave here with a great feeling of pride in knowing that all the fine Sailors and officers who have achieved those successes as one team all pulling in the same direction with the same goals." said Kriete.
Thomas looks forward to the challenges and to uphold the traditions set by Kriete to help the ships prepare and succeed in their operations.
Kriete's next assignment will be for the Chief of Naval Operations Submarine Warfare Division in Washington, D.C.
For more news from Commnder, Submarine Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/sublant/.
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