USS Albuquerque Gets New Commander

Cmdr. Don Tenney relieved Cmdr. Trent Hesslink as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) during a ceremony on Naval Base Point Loma, Aug. 28.

Retired Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, a former commander of Submarine Squadron (CSS) 11, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Albuquerque recently completed its final deployment, a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operations’ maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations. In its more than 32-year career, Albuquerque deployed more than 15 times, steamed more than 500,000 miles, and visited nearly 20 countries. Albuquerque was also one of the first nuclear submarines to experience combat, gaining the moniker of “Sure Shooter of the Submarine Force.”

Capt. Gene Doyle, commander, CSS-11, presented Hesslink with a Meritorious Service Medal.

Hesslink is scheduled to report to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in D.C.

Albuquerque is scheduled to transit to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, in Bremerton, Washington, later this year for its inactivation and decommissioning.

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Image: US Navy