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U.S. Naval Base Guam hosted a change of
command for visiting USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (BLUE) at Polaris Point
July 28. During the time-honored event, Capt. Dietrich Kuhlmann,
III, said his goodbyes to the crew he has led for two years before
being relieved by Capt. Jerry Logan.
Homeported in Bangor, Wash., the submarine arrived on Guam July 24
for mid-deployment maintenance and a crew exchange.
As the guest speaker, Rear Adm. Michael Connor, commander of
Submarine Group 7, praised Logan for setting a standard of
excellence by building on the strengths of the Ohio-class submarine.
“Under his leadership, USS Michigan has proven the range of SSGN
capabilities and allowed Naval Special Warfare (NSW) capabilities,
as delivered from beneath the sea, to rise to new heights,” Connor
said.
He explained that Michigan performs a key role in supporting the NSW
community, while also gathering information that benefits a wide
range of Navy operations. Connor also commended their recent port
visit and community relations work in Yokosuka, Japan.
“The relationships that we foster this way are essential to our
ability to operate effectively in this part of the world,” Connor
said.
In recognition of those achievements, Connor presented Kuhlmann with
the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of second award.
Kuhlmann credited his success to his Sailors, calling their
performance “awe inspiring.”
“I’ve never had the privilege of serving at sea with as strong a
crew of shipmates and brothers at arms,” Kuhlmann said. “You
demonstrated everyday that even among submariners you are elite.”
After reading his orders and assuming command, Logan said he looked
forward to future missions with his crew.
“I promise to do everything I can to continue your success and ask
that you remain committed to your guiding principles of knowledge,
integrity and excellence,” Logan said.
Originally from South Dakota, Logan recently served as deputy
director of Military Personnel Policy Division and deputy nuclear
propulsion program manager for Chief of Naval Personnel. He served
aboard several submarines, including USS San Francisco as operations
officer and USS Wyoming as executive officer. |
