The Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) Gold crew held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, September 22.

Capt. Greg Kercher relieved Capt. Bill McKinney as commanding officer of the Florida Gold crew.

Commander, Submarine Forces Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo praised McKinney in a Bravo Zulu message sent to the Florida crew.

"Congratulations on a superior job commanding Florida Gold," said Tofalo. "Bravo Zulu to you and your crew on a job well done."

The Florida Gold crew completed two overseas deployments and the largest extended refit period of any SSGN during Kercher's tenure as commanding officer. Florida also earned two consecutive Battle Efficiency Awards and a Navy Unit Commendation under his leadership.

Tofalo welcomed Kercher and provided some advice to the new commanding officer.

"You are embarking on the most challenging, demanding, and rewarding job in the Navy-command at sea," said Tofalo. "You have been well prepared and should embrace this assignment with passion and confidence."

McKinney, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, attributed his successful tour onboard Florida to his crew.

"We have sailed halfway around the world, conducting missions which have had a tremendous impact on worldwide peace and stability," said McKinney. "Every one of you, from stem to stern, has contributed to making that mission happen."

McKinney's next assignment is at U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska.

Kercher, a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado, told the crew what they could expect of him as their new commanding officer.

"Florida Gold, I have just one role as your commanding officer: to lead you as we prepare our great warship to return to the fight and conduct vital operations," said Kercher. "We will do this wherever and whenever called upon in support of our nations interests, and we will do so to the very best of our capabilities."

Kercher is now responsible for ensuring the submarine is ready to execute its full range of strike and special operation mission capabilities. The stealthy, clandestine platform is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and hosting up to 66 special operations forces.

Florida was originally commissioned in 1983 as a trident ballistic-missile submarine, designed to launch intercontinental missiles and deliver nuclear warheads. In 2006 it became one of four Ohio-class submarines converted into guided-missile submarines by the Navy. It is the sixth U.S. Navy ship to be named after the state of Florida.


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