NSSC Changes Command
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS091022-21
Release Date: 10/22/2009 9:22:00 PM
By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Command of Naval Submarine Support Center, Norfolk (NSSC) changed hands Oct. 22 during a change of command ceremony at the Submarine Learning Facility on Naval Station Norfolk.
Cmdr. Richard Alsop relieved Capt. Voltaire Brion as commanding officer. Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, Commander, Submarine Group 2, presented Brion with his third Meritorious Service Medal. In the award, Brion was cited "for his professionalism, initiative, and resourcefulness which proved to be the cornerstone for implementing innovative submarine support processes that ensured the exceptional state of readiness of all Norfolk-based submarines."
"I have a staff of about 100 people, and we provide support for all the submarines in the two Norfolk squadrons, as well as for any submarine visiting from anywhere else in the world," said Brion, who was commissioned through the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1988 after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico. "My command supported 12 submarine deployments, coordinated the logistics for more than 350 submarine underways and arrivals, and scheduled 75 maintenance availabilities brokering 10,000 jobs worth nearly $30 million.
"In addition, my staff supported 12 changes of commands, eight submarine homeport changes, two decommissionings, and two commissionings. Our performance monitoring team provided nearly 2,800 documented man-hours of technical support beyond their normal responsibilities - saving the Navy more than $2.2 million dollars in labor and material costs. My staff has stood the duty everyday that I've been in command. To the men and women of Naval Submarine Support Center, you have done your part in helping our ships complete their missions."
Brion assumed command of NSSC, April 3, 2007. As he prepares for his next assignment as the Submarine Group Two shipyard representative at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., he said leaving this group of dedicated professionals will be tough.
"I will miss the people the most," said Brion. "My staff worked so hard on the many issues we were challenged with everyday. When a submarine gets underway to do their mission, it's not apparent the effort they put forth in coordinating with other support organizations to make this happen. My people do all the hard work. I only see the results, and for that I am most grateful."
Alsop became the sixth commanding officer of NSSC, and said he hopes to carry forward Brion's legacy.
"I am looking forward to this command," said Alsop, who reports to NSSC from Commander, Submarine Squadron Six where he served as Deputy Commander for Training. "I would like to pay tribute and thank Capt. Brion for his good example. To follow in his shoes is a privilege, as is being able to serve in the finest Navy in the world.
"The Navy has a job to do. It is one that is ever varied and changing. It is one that relies upon the caliber, training and readiness of all personnel. It is one that does not rely on any one individual, but a team that works together for a common goal. That is the sort of regime that I hope we can foster here. I am so filled with expectations of the challenges ahead, and I know that we have a role to play and much work to do. I know too that we will achieve it with our heads held high and our hearts filled with pride. I know that we will do it together."
Naval Submarine Support Center, Norfolk provides centralized administrative and support services to the Los Angeles-class attack submarines, new construction submarines, and visiting submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadrons Six and Eight, based in Norfolk, Va. Services assist the squadrons in executing responsibilities for materiel, personnel, training, and logistics of submarines under their command.
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