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USS Olympia Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110305-02
3/5/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) held its change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam aboard the former battleship Missouri (BB 63) Friday, March 4.

Cmdr. Michael Boone relieved Cmdr. Michael Coughlin as commanding officer of the Olympia. Guest speaker, retired Vice Adm. Albert Konetzni praised Coughlin on his recent accomplishments on board Olympia and throughout his Naval career.

"Mike, you did not get to where you are by luck, you got here by hard work and you deserve it," said Konetzni. "I think that the submarine force is an unbelievable invention, but because of the people we have that serve on submarines the force is always able to reinvent itself. I am very proud of you and your crew."

Coughlin acknowledged that the majority of the submarine's success during his time as commanding officer could be attributed to the crew and their hard work efforts.

"I was blessed with a great crew that accomplished it all through teamwork, preparedness and discipline," said Coughlin. "They have worked extremely hard and I am counting on them to continue their amazing efforts in keeping our submarine ready for action."

Following his remarks, Coughlin was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from April 2008 to March 2011.

In his closing remarks, Cmdr. Coughlin reflected on his time on Olympia at sea.

"There are so many great things about being a submariner." said Coughlin. "Perhaps the most satisfying for me is to dive the ship. This procedure represents all the teamwork and execution to do what we do, submerge our warship."

Since Olympia's arrival in Pearl Harbor, she has completed numerous Western Pacific deployments and other vital operations. Her travels have taken her to ports throughout the Western Pacific and she has made seven visits to her namesake city, Olympia, Washington.

As Cmdr. Boone assumed command of Olympia, he addressed the crew about the future.

"I have observed your dedication and professionalism as you face the challenges of operating one of the world's most complex machines," said Boone. "Our challenge remains to always be ready with our warship when our nation beckons us."

Coughlin graduated from Northwestern University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. Commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program, he completed basic submarine training in Groton, Connecticut in Dec. 1991.

His sea tours include USS Asheville (SSN 758), USS Portsmouth (SSN 707), USS Louisville (SSBN 724) and USS Columbia (SSN 771). His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal and various other unit awards.

Cmdr. Coughlin will report for duty as Deputy Commander for Training at Submarine Squadron 3, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/.