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Reestablishment of Full-Time Flag Officer at Kings Bay: Submarine Group 10 Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090627-08
Release Date: 6/27/2009 3:44:00 PM

From Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Group 10 held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay June 26.

Rear Adm. Barry L. Bruner relieved Rear Adm. Timothy M. Giardina, re-establishing a full-time flag officer in Kings Bay responsible for ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and guided missile submarines (SSGNs).

Bruner's arrival to Kings Bay marks the first time since 2005 that a Navy flag officer will reside full time in Kings Bay.

In 2006, as a part of the Department of the Navy's 21st century human capital strategy, SSBNs on the East Coast and West Coast were placed under the command of a single admiral, holding the title of Commander, Submarine Group Trident. The dual–hat position was implemented due to the single mission of strategic deterrence shared by East and West Coast SSBNs.

By 2008, two of the four newly converted SSGNs were home ported in Kings Bay. The need for a full-time flag officer was determined by Navy leadership to increase focus on the unique capabilities of the SSGN platform and re-emphasize commitment to the strategic deterrence mission of the SSBNs.

Giardina took command of Submarine Group 10 Nov. 8, 2007. He will remain in command of Submarine Group 9 in Bangor, Wash.

As Commander, Submarine Group 10, Giardina spearheaded the creation of day-to-day SSGN operating procedures, training, certification guidance and the complete revision of four SSGNs, while simultaneously maintaining the strategic deterrent mission of the Navy's SSBN fleet.

"I'd like to recognize the over 2,800 Sailors assigned to the submarines of Submarine Group 10 in Kings Bay and Norfolk, (Va.)," said Giardina. "Each of them and their family members gladly accept the many sacrifices associated with service to our country and make me proud."

"Without the crew, these ships would be no more than several thousand tons of machinery, which is of no use to anyone," said Giardina.

Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, commander, Submarine Force, served as presiding officer for the ceremony and presented Giardina with the Legion of Merit award on behalf of Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

"Under his leadership, the conversion of the four SSGNs from ballistic missile submarines was completed, and each SSGN deployed to provide a new and unprecedented capability to the operational commander," according to Giardina's Legion of Merit citation. "He oversaw the completion of 50 successful Trident SSBN strategic deterrent patrols, maintaining a 70 percent of SSBNs at sea rate and providing an unprecedented 100 percent strategic alert coverage in direct support of U.S. national security policies."

Bruner's most recent assignment was director, operations division, Office of Budget for the Department of the Navy.

"Before I become consumed in the duties of Commander, Submarine Group 10, I want to say thank you to all of you," said Bruner. "For the long hours, long days and long weeks you take for maintaining, preparing and training our submarines and submariners. It's because of what you do that our submarines can go to sea."

The Submarine Group 10 commander is the senior commander stationed aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. His direct subordinate commands include two submarine squadrons, the Trident Refit Facility, the Naval Submarine Support Center, six SSBNs and two SSGNs.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg10/.