New leadership for Kentucky

Friday, FEBRUARY 26, 2010 • Northwest Navigator > KITSAP/EVERETT EDITION
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New leadership for Kentucky
the commanding officer of
Kentucky was being able to
watch the crew grow,” said
Pearson. “I will miss the
camaraderie and the shared
experiences.”
Master Chief Machinists
Mate Scott Moore, Chief of
the Boat, praised Pearson’s
leadership style.
“Cmdr. Pearson’s leadership style is empowering,
he solicited ideas through
SUBGRU 9 Public Affairs
Cmdr. Benjamin Pearson was relieved as the
Commanding Officer of
USS Kentucky (SSBN 737)
(Gold), during a change
of command ceremony at
Naval Base Kitsap, Feb. 19.
With the traditional reading of orders and a heartfelt goodbye to the Sailors
he commanded, Pearson
turned over his boat and
crew to Cmdr. Joseph
Nosse.
While under Pearson’s
command, Kentucky was
awarded the Battle Efficiency
Award from Commander,
Submarine Squadron 17.
They were chosen above six
other squadron boats.
Pearson said that winning
the Battle “E” award and
helping grow the crew into
U.S. Navy photo
Cmdr. Benjamin Pearson reports his relief as Commanding Officer,
USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Gold) to Cmdr. Joseph Nosse, to Capt.
David Ratte, Commander, Submarine Squadron 17, Feb. 19.
who they are today are his
greatest accomplishments
as commanding officer.
“The best part of being
Command of Ohio changes
SUBGRU 9 Public Affairs
USS Ohio (SSGN 726)
(Gold) bid farewell to their
commanding officer, Capt.
Dennis Carpenter, during
a change of command ceremony at Keyport Undersea
Museum, Feb. 19.
With the traditional reading of orders and a farewell
to the Sailors he commanded, Carpenter turned over
his boat and crew to Capt.
Dixon Hicks.
Rear
Adm.
Frank
Caldwell,
Commander,
Submarine Group 9, spoke
of the impact that Carpenter
and the Ohio have had on
the submarine force.
“SSGNs are doing some
of the most exciting missions of our submarine
force,” said Caldwell.
Caldwell also discussed
the numerous accomplishments of the ship due to
Carpenter’s
impressive
leadership, “he is a tremendously competent tactician,
a forward thinking leader,
who ensured the safety of
the Seal team and success in
the mission.”
During Carpenter’s command the boat and crew
conducted Ohio’s first
Western Pacific deployment
as an SSGN and earned
Commander, Submarine
U.S. Navy photo
Capt. Dixon Hicks officially relieves Capt. Dennis Carpenter as
Commanding Officer, USS Ohio (SSGN 726) (Gold) as Capt. John
Tammen, Commander, Submarine Squadron 19 waits to receive
their reports on Feb. 19.
Squadron 19’s Battle
Efficiency and Tactical
Awards for 2008 and 2009.
Carpenter thanked his
crew, squadron, and family and said that it was his
“most personally and professionally rewarding tour.”
He also
Hicks’ last command at
sea was of USS Topeka (SSN
754) from 2005 to 2007.
Most recently he has served
as the Assistant Director in
the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy,
Financial Management and
Comptroller.
After relieving Carpenter
as Commanding Officer
Hicks said he was looking
forward to going to sea and
working with the fine officers and crew of Ohio.
Carpenter will be staying in the Northwest and
reporting to Commander,
Submarine Squadron 19.
positive and open communication,” said Moore.
“His approach resulted in
participation at every level,
exceptional operational and
inspection results, and the
development of future leadership.”
Nosse most recently served as the Director
for Submarine Special
Operations and Irregular
Warfare,
Commander
Page 13
Submarine Force. He is
looking forward to being in
command.
“I am looking forward
to the opportunity to lead
142 of the Nation’s best and
brightest in a variety of
dynamic submarine operations,” said Nosse.
Pearson’s next assignment will be as the Deputy
Commander, Commander,
Submarine Development
Squadron 5 in Bangor.