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New Commander at Wyoming's Helm

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090810-20
Release Date: 8/10/2009 8:48:00 PM

By Lt.j.g Gregory Bauer, USS Wyoming (Gold) Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Gold) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., Aug. 7.

Cmdr. Diego Hernandez relieved Cmdr. Roger Isom as the commanding officer of Wyoming Gold.

Capt. Stephen Gillespie, Submarine Squadron 20 deputy for training, delivered the welcoming remarks, and Rear Adm. Bruce E. Grooms, vice director Joint Staff, served as the principal speaker.

Isom took command of Wyoming Gold in August 2006. During his command, Wyoming completed five strategic deterrent patrols, three operational reactor safeguard examinations, two tactical readiness examinations, one mini-Demonstration and shakedown operation, two nuclear tactical proficiency inspections and three supply management inspections.

Isom recognized the crew of Wyoming Gold and their contributions to the Navy, submarine force and Wyoming, including Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Joshua Belk who is currently serving as a 12-month individual augmentee in Iraq.

"This tour has allowed me to be directly involved in a mission and a warship that carries with it enormous responsibility, inherent dangers and great accountability," said Isom. "These aspects of command are very rewarding, but what I ultimately will cherish the most about this tour is the people part of this job and specifically the crew."

"Men of Wyoming Gold crew, thank you for serving your country well, and thank you for serving me so well as your captain," said Isom.

Isom's next assignment will be at the Navy Staff, Office of Legislative Affairs.

Prior to relieving Isom, Hernandez served as the executive officer aboard USS Rhode Island (GOLD) (SSBN 740), as the engineer aboard USS Toledo (SSN 769) and as the navigator and operations officer aboard USS Trepang (SSN 674). Most recently, Hernandez served as the military analyst at the Office of the Secretary of Defense Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Pentagon.

"I am humbled beyond words to suddenly find myself entrusted with this national treasure that is our incredibly talented crew and the remarkable ship that they [maintain] and take to sea,' said Hernandez. "The challenges before us are formidable…yet, the talent and level of commitment I have seen from this crew leaves no doubt in my mind that Wyoming will exceed expectations and always remain a ready strategic asset."

Wyoming (SSBN 742) is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named after the 44th state of the union. She was commissioned July 13, 1996.

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