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Toledo Welcomes New Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090306-27
Release Date: 3/6/2009 7:47:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Megan Isaac, Commander Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) welcomed a new commander during a ceremony March 5 at Naval Station Norfolk.

Cmdr. Douglas Reckamp relieved Cmdr. Howard Goldman as commanding officer.

Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as the principal speaker, and Capt. Don Kelso, commander, Submarine Squadron 8 delivered the welcoming remarks.

"It is always very humbling for me to oversee the change of commanding officers on great ships like Toledo," said Kelso. "The ship just completed one of the most challenging command assignments – a submarine overhaul. It is exceptionally rewarding, because you can clearly see the results of your hard work, transforming a submarine back to operating status in top-notch material condition."

Goldman took command of the submarine in August 2006, overseeing Toledo's depot modernization period (DMP) that lasted more than two years.

Fowler was commanding officer on USS Charlotte (SSN 766) when Goldman was the navigation and operations officer. He spoke of the hard work of the Toledo crew and praised them for the difficult shipyard period they just completed.

"The Toledo crew took care of its ship and skipper, and Howard Goldman definitely took care of his crew," said Fowler. "They may not be around to see the results or get credit, but they will be remembered for the improved measures."

In closing, Fowler looked at his former shipmate and said, "Well done."

Under Goldman's command, the submarine completed the first DMP at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, which included state-of-the-art upgrades to Toledo's fire control weapons, sonar, navigation and propulsion plant systems. Toledo earned the Atlantic Fleet Golden Anchor award for outstanding retention all three years he was in command. After the long yard period, he led the crew through completion of engineering plant trials without interruption and completed sea trials without complication.

Goldman thanked Kelso for his leadership and guidance throughout his command.

"You allowed me to command my ship the way I wanted, which was sometimes a little crazy," said Goldman, "But you supported me, let me lead and command my ship, and you mentored me along the way. Thank you, sir.

"I asked my men to do the impossible hundreds of times," said Goldman. "They always came through, and I'm very proud of them."

Reckamp said he owed Goldman a great debt for turning over such a well-maintained submarine. He looks forward to the challenges and upholding the traditions set by Goldman to help the ship prepare and succeed in any operations tasked.

Goldman's next assignment will be as the deputy for strategy and plans for Commander, Task Force 69 in Naples, Italy.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/sublant/ .