USS Louisville Holds Change of Command Ceremony

A time-honored change of command ceremony was held aboard Los Angeles-class submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 6.

Cmdr. Lee P. Sisco, commanding officer of Louisville was relieved by Cmdr. Robert D. Figgs.

Guest speaker Capt. Douglas G. Perry, chief ofsStaff for the Joint Force Development Directorate on the Joint Staff and Sisco’s former commanding officer and mentor, praised Sisco for his exceptional performance while in command of Louisville.

“Lee, you’ve done an immense service to the country. We are in your debt, and you have a very bright future in front of you,” said Perry.

Sisco said he was honored to have the opportunity to command Louisville and acknowledged that the majority of the submarine’s success during his time as commanding officer was because of the crew and their hard work.

“I know I drove you hard and was demanding, but you listened to what I asked,” said Sisco to his assembled crew. “We tried to do things the right way, and we did the right things.”

Following his remarks, Sisco was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from January 2010 to September 2012.

As Figgs assumed command of Louisville he addressed the crew about the future.

“To the officers and men of Louisville, I have had the opportunity to observe you operate the ship over the past several weeks; I have also had the opportunity to sit down and personally talk with most of you,” said Figgs. “I am impressed and truly believe that we have an outstanding crew.”

Sisco’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards) and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) as well as numerous unit awards.

Sisco will report for duty to commander, Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn., as the branch head for enlisted nuclear and submarine assignments.

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Naval Today Staff, September 10, 2012; Image: US Navy