Cmdr. Kenneth Douglas relieved Cmdr. Mark Cooper as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) during a pierside ceremony on Naval Base Point Loma, July 31.

Capt. Gene Doyle, commander, Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11), was the guest speaker at the ceremony. He congratulated Cooper on a job well done.

"On numerous occasions over the last two-and-a-half years, Cmdr. Cooper and his crew were called upon to do the nation's bidding, and each time they answered the call and completed the mission with resounding success," said Doyle. "They all certainly lived up to the battle cry of 'Anytime. Anywhere.' No praise can be greater for a ship or commanding officer."

Before Pasadena's arrival to San Diego in November 2013, the submarine successfully completed a 15-month overhaul in Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
Under Cooper's command, Pasadena emerged on schedule from the overhaul and spent the next 15 months preparing for deployment. Pasadena deployed on Jan. 2, 2015, to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting operations and exercises in a wide range of environments and demonstrating the submarine force's ability to provide U.S. combatant commanders highly capable, multi-mission platforms to support both the maritime strategy and national security objectives. Pasadena returned to homeport on July 3, 2015.

Doyle presented Cooper with a Meritorious Service Medal.

"The last 31 months have certainly been an adventure," said Cooper. "The work and effort of these men enabled an amazing transformation from a gutted submarine back to a seaworthy warship. The 'can-do' attitude of this crew is second to none that I've ever served with. To my crew: I could not be prouder of you. You are the heart and soul of this mighty warship. I'm proud to have been your skipper, and I want y'all to know that I'll gladly sail with each and every one of you anytime, anywhere."

In his remarks upon assuming command, Douglas addressed his crew about Pasadena's future missions.

"Over the next several years, we will take her across the world, patrol waters off of foreign shores, demonstrate American resolve and commitment to our allies, and stand as a ready deterrent to those who would do us harm," said Douglas. "Through all of it, we will rely on each other as only submariners can. I am certain that I can rely on you no matter what gets thrown at us."

Cooper, a native of Butner, N.C., will transfer to U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Douglas enlisted in the Navy in 1993, and following Nuclear Power training, was selected for an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. He reported from U.S. Strategic Command, where he served as a special assistant to the commander.

Pasadena was commissioned Feb. 11, 1989, and became the first improved 688 class submarine to deploy, in July 1991. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Pasadena has a crew of approximately 140 Sailors. Pasadena is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

For more information about Commander, Submarine Squadron 11, visit www.css11.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/COMSUBRON11.


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