Nebraska (Gold) Welcomes New Commander

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120803-22
8/3/2012

By Lt. Ed Early, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The Gold Crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) welcomed a new commanding officer July 27, as Cmdr. Jeffrey Joseph relieved Cmdr. Michael Fisher during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor's Deterrent Park.

"Gentlemen, you have always gotten the job done, and done it well," said Fisher to his crew. "Your efforts made the ship great."

After taking command of the Gold Crew in October 2009, Fisher teamed with Blue Crew counterparts Cmdr. Gerhard Somlai and Cmdr. Jason Wartell to lead Nebraska to back-to-back Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") Awards in 2010 and 2011. In addition, Fisher completed four strategic deterrent patrols aboard Nebraska.

"Above all else, you have supported and defended the Constitution of the United States on a daily basis against its only true threat, and you have been the best in the nation at accomplishing that mission," Fisher said. "Be proud of your efforts, your successes and what you have done for a grateful nation."

Fisher's next destination is Bahrain, where he will join the staff of United States Naval Forces Central Command.

Joseph, a native of Peoria, Ill., spent his most recent afloat tour as the last commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691), which was decommissioned in February 2012. The University of Illinois graduate previously served as executive officer of USS Louisville (SSN 724) and also served aboard USS Kamehameha (SSN 642) and USS Buffalo (SSN 715).

Nebraska is one of eight Ohio-class Trident ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.