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New Commanding Officer for Rhode Island Blue

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101001-25
10/1/2010

By Commander Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, GA (NNS) -- USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) (Blue) conducted the time-honored tradition of a change of command at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Chapel, Oct. 1.

Cmdr. Robert "Bob" Clark was relieved by Cmdr. Douglas J. Adams as commanding officer of the Rhode Island Blue crew.

Clark, who led the Blue crew since March 2008, commanded his crew through four strategic deterrent patrol cycles, including an extended refit period. During his tenure, the submarine became the model of material management and the execution of arduous refit availabilities.

Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, Commander Submarine Group 10, served as guest speaker at the ceremony and highlighted Rhode Island's accomplishments under Clark's command including hosting the 1000th Trident Patrol Ceremony, completing successful midshipmen operations with over 100 midshipmen embarked underway, and earning the Silver and Gold Dolphin flags in 2009.

"Bob has served as a perfect example of who we want a commanding officer to be," said Bruner. "He has taught his junior officers through example."

Clark recognized the positive impact his crew could have on the local community and fostered the spirit of volunteering in his command, as a result the Rhode Island Blue was selected as the Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship Award winner for 2009.

"I am proud of our crew's accomplishments but I'd like to be clear that my pride and admiration does not come from inspection grades, awards or recognition," said Clark. "My pride stems from the accomplishments of each man of the Rhode Island and the way they've worked together to achieve success for their ship."

Clark's next assignment is with Commander Strategic Command Joint Fleet Component Command – Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in Washington, D.C.

Adams, an Auburn University graduate, and prior enlisted Electrician's Mate 1st Class, has completed three sea tours including five strategic deterrent patrols aboard USS Tennessee (SSBN 734)(Blue), two Western Pacific Deployments aboard USS Bremerton (SSN 698) and executive officer of USS Toledo (SSN 769). His most recent assignment was force nuclear power officer at Commander, Submarine Force in Norfolk, Va.

During Adams' address to Clark and the Blue crew, he said, "your performance during the recent Tactical Readiness Exam was superb. I thank each one of your for service to our great nation and I look forward to working with you to continue the Rhode Island legacy and continue to improve our ship."

The submarine Rhode Island is the third U.S. Naval ship to be name in honor of the thirteenth state of the Union. The boat's motto "In Spe Pacis Perennis" meaning In Hope of Everlasting Peace," has patrolled the Atlantic for 49 strategic deterrent patrols.