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USS Olympia Holds Change of Command Ceremony

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS131121-01
Release Date: 11/21/2013 7:30:00 AM

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

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The command of a warship was passed down at a time-honored ceremony that was held for the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Nov. 20.

Cmdr. Thomas Shugart relieved Cmdr. Michael Boone, as commanding officer of Olympia.

The ceremony's guest speaker, Commander Submarine Squadron 7, Capt. Rick Stoner praised Boone for his exceptional performance while in command of Olympia.

'Congratulations on a tremendous tour and in meeting every mission and ensuring Olympia was ready to take the fight to the enemy everyday,' said Stoner. 'You have performed superbly in the most important job in the Navy and in the pinnacle of naval service.'

Boone said he is proud of having had the opportunity to be in command of Olympia and working with a fantastic team of Sailors.

'Serving as the commanding officer has been the professional honor of my life. Men, what you do matters. Your ability to employ Olympia anywhere in the world makes nations take notice.' said Boone. 'What you do everyday to make 'Mighty Oly' ready matters. I strongly urge you to continue to make it happen.'

During the ceremony, Boone was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

As Shugart assumed command of Olympia, he thanked Boone for turning over a great command, and an even greater crew.

'To the proud and mighty Olympia, it had been a pleasure getting to know you as individuals, and I thank you for your professionalism and openness during my turnover period. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your new commanding officer,' said Shugart. 'I task you all to learn something new about our warship and its employment every day, continue to build depth on our bench, continuously train our reliefs, always be prepared and always do the right thing.'

Olympia is the United States Navy's 104th nuclear-powered submarine and the 95th of the attack submarine fleet. She is the 29th of the Los Angeles-class nuclear powered fast attack submarine to be delivered to the Navy.

Los Angeles-class submarines are ideally suited for covert surveillance, intelligence gathering and Special Forces missions. This stealth, when combined with the submarine's Tomahawk cruise missiles, mines and torpedoes, provides the operational commander with an unseen force multiplier.