Submarine Squadron 20 held a change of command ceremony at the chapel on board Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Jan. 18.

Capt. Craig Gummer relieved Capt. Robert Wirth as the Submarine Squadron 20 commodore. Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander of Submarine Group 10, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

“Kings Bay is home to the all of the east coast ballistic-missile submarines," said Jablon. "Strategic deterrence is the nation’s highest priority, yet our submariners make up only six percent of our nation’s Navy. We operate 25 percent of the Navy’s most-feared warships and 70 percent of our nation’s accountable nuclear warheads. Squadron 20 ensures that our submarines here at Kings Bay are combat ready to preserve the peace at all times and can execute that mission.”

During his remarks, Wirth, a native of Grand Island, New York, highlighted the high standards set for Sailors serving as squadron staff and aboard the boats of Squadron 20.

“The Sailors and team in Kings Bay work together to do it right, through their hard work, dedication to their vital mission, and trust in their fellow shipmates, their leaders and themselves, to make good decisions especially in challenging situations,” said Wirth. “Our incredible team of professionals continue to rise to the challenge and flawlessly execute our strategic deterrent mission.”

Wirth lauded the success of the submarines and their crews assigned to Squadron 20 and the team effort it takes to keep the boats ready to execute the country’s No. 1 mission.

“Our submarine Sailors are the true firepower and potential of our submarine force,” said Wirth. “Their innovation, moral courage and commitment to our mission are the keystone of our strategic deterrence capability and credibility. Each patrol, our ballistic-missile Sailors sharpen their warfighting readiness by improving their stealth, lethality and operational readiness.”

During the ceremony, Jablon awarded Wirth with the Legion of Merit for his service as commodore. 

“Your squadron’s success is no accident, and it starts at the top with the commander,” said Jablon. “Its accolades represent extremely well-rounded accomplishments, across the board, in numerous aspects of submarining, with local and submarine force-wide global impact.”

Gummer, a native of Plainfield, Indiana, took command of Submarine Squadron 20, which is responsible for the maintenance and operations of five Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines - USS Alaska (SSBN 732), USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), USS Maryland (SSBN 738) and USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740). 

Five years ago, Feb. 14, 2014, Gummer relieved Wirth as commanding officer of Alaska gold crew in the same chapel on base.

“It is an honor to be on this stage with Captain Wirth again,” said Gummer. “My family and I are thrilled to be back in Kings Bay and to be a part of the team again. It is a truly a privilege to be taking command of Submarine Squadron 20 and I look forward to working with everyone.”

Wirth will report to the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, Washington D.C., for his new assignment as executive assistant.

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