The Blue crew of the ballistic-missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) conducted a change of ceremony at Deterrent Park on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Aug. 13.
Cmdr. Kelly Laing, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, relieved Capt. William Johnson, from East Troy, Wisconsin, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Maine Blue crew commanding officer.
Johnson assumed command of Maine Blue crew, Oct. 11, 2012. During his leadership, the crew conducted four patrols and successfully completed two dry dock periods. Blue crew earned the 2012 Engineering Efficiency and Battle Efficiency (Battle ‘E’) Awards, the 2014 Battle ‘E’ Award, and the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Retention Excellence Awards.
Laing comes to Maine Blue from Commander, Submarine Group 9, where he served as the operations officer and deputy chief of staff for training and readiness.
Maine is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the survivable leg of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces.
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Image: US Navy