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Alaska Changes Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121006-08
10/6/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) James Kimber, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Blue) held a change of command at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Oct. 5.

Cmdr. Todd Figanbaum relieved Cmdr. Kevin Byrne as commanding officer of USS Alaska (SSBN 732) (Blue). Byrne, an Oakdale, N.Y. native, said his crew came a long way since the crew split after returning from a refueling and overhaul period in Norfolk three years ago, though the achievements never came easy.

"Our success was due to many things," Byrne said. "We have come a long way since the crew split. As I thought about my time onboard, there are a couple of events that stick out in my mind. I remember my first underway with the ship after the Officer-of-the-Deck shifted the watch below decks. It took us one hour and 45 minutes to submerge the ship. That was not our best day. This last patrol, we were able to consistently do the same evolution safely in an appropriate amount of time. The results of the first examinations we had while I was onboard were also challenging. Since overcoming those challenges, we won the Battle 'E', Omaha Trophy and many other awards."

Byrne also thanked the families of Alaska Blue for their support and his own family for enduring all of the hardships during his 21-year Naval career.

"The interest and enthusiasm I have seen from the Alaska blue families has been amazing. In our business, a ship cannot succeed without the love, patience and support of our families," Byrne said. "[My wife's] challenges have ranged from my absence during extended deployments, strategic patrols, sickness, compound fractures and many more hospital visits. Yet, whatever the challenge has been, she always gets through the day with a smile. In fact, while I was underway for my final patrol, she moved the family from St. Marys to Bangor by herself. This is the fourth move in a row she has had to do without me. I wouldn't have made it this far without [her]."

Figanbaum, a Davenport, Iowa native, returns to Kings Bay, previously serving as engineering officer on USS Maryland (SSBN 738). His last assignment was special assistant to the director, Nuclear Propulsion.

"Crew of Alaska, there is no greater honor or privilege as a citizen of our country than to be able to set sail with you, under our Nation's flag, in defense of our values of liberty and freedom on the most powerful warship known to man," Figanbaum said. "Alaska's motto is Kodiak Tough, and I would say to any who threatens our Nation, 'Don't poke the bear.'"

USS Alaska is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the State of Alaska and the 7th of 18 Ohio-class submarines. USS Alaska was commissioned Jan. 25, 1986.