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Norfolk's Namesake Ship Welcomes New Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090818-19
Release Date: 8/18/2009 10:35:00 PM

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) held a change of command ceremony Aug. 14 on board the ship, moored at Pier 3, Naval Station Norfolk.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Douglas A. Jordan relieved Cmdr. Troy S. Jackson as commanding officer.

Capt. Christopher B. Thomas, commander, Submarine Squadron 6, was the principal speaker at the ceremony. Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim also attended the traditional Navy ceremony.

"Whatever tasking Norfolk was assigned, they always rose to the occasion," said Thomas. "Cmdr. Jackson always did things that kept Norfolk going, and he led Norfolk with tenacity. His crew is highly motivated warfighters, and they always did everything they were asked to do.

"Under Cmdr. Jackson's command, Norfolk expertly contributed to missions of national security, and the men of Norfolk always served as ambassadors to the United States."

Jackson, a native of Boiling Springs, Pa., and a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, assumed command of USS Norfolk in June 2007.

"Team is the one word that can define the men of Norfolk," said Jackson, who will soon report Tactical Training Group, Atlantic in Dam Neck. "That concept bound us and gave us the ability to answer the call of the nation. The crew pulled together with a purpose to prepare for our mission. The sacrifices they made for the ship and the Navy was incredible, and I salute them."

Jordan reports to Norfolk after serving in a joint billet for Commander, U.S. Strategic Command as deputy director for Strategic Forces, Nuclear Weapons and Force Protection for Commander, Submarine Force. He earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Auburn University, where he graduated with distinction in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering.

Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned May 21, 1983, the 360-foot submarine is the third naval ship to be named in honor of the city of Norfolk. It is also the Navy's 133rd nuclear-powered submarine and 89th of the attack submarine class.

Homeported in its namesake city, the crew includes 16 officers and 118 enlisted Sailors.