Maine (Blue) Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS121011-08
10/11/2012
From Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs
KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- The ballistic-missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741)Blue Crew held a change of command ceremony Oct. 5 at the Naval Undersea Museum.
Cmdr. William Johnson relieved Cmdr. Mark Schmall.
"Every day in command is a great day. Some days are better than others, but every day is a great day," said Schmall, who had commanded the Blue Crew since June 2009. "I am honored to have served with each and every one of you. To borrow an old phrase, I will always 'Remember the Maine.'"
Schmall directed the Blue Crew during five strategic deterrent patrols, including a 105-day patrol which ended in December 2010. Under the guidance of Schmall and Cmdr. Rich Massie, Gold Crew commanding officer, Maine was awarded the 2011 Olympic Trophy as the top ballistic missile submarine in the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Schmall's next assignment will be with U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Neb.
Johnson is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest, having previously served as Gold Crew executive officer of USS Louisiana (SSBN 743). The University of Minnesota graduate's most recent assignment was as deputy for Readiness on the staff of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 7 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
"The 160 warriors of Maine are what gives the ship its fighting spirit and what has forged her success," said Johnson. "Shipmates, I consider it the highest privilege to be given the opportunity to lead you, and I eagerly look forward to sailing beneath the waves with you."
Maine 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.
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