The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) Blue crew held a change of command at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Sept. 29.

Cmdr. David Forman was relieved by Cmdr. Dave Brooks as commanding officer of the Alaska Blue crew.

Retired Capt. Todd W. Cramer, a former crewmate of Forman, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

"Nobody has more, or has expressed more 'hooyah' about the submarine force than Dave," said Cramer. "I, as I'm sure you are, am extremely proud of his performance in command."

Forman, a native of Agoura Hills, California, spent 269 days underway thorough out his time as commanding officer of Alaska. He welcomed the new commanding officer and passed on some advice as he turned over command of Alaska.

"We do well here because we take our work seriously, but we don't take ourselves too seriously," said Foreman. "Alaska is obviously a great crew, and it's going to go quick."

Brooks, an Annapolis, Maryland, native, previously served as the executive officer on USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) Gold crew in Kings Bay.

"Alaska Blue, as Cmdr. Forman stated, your success is a testament of your hard work, dedication, and personal sacrifice. I attribute much of this to a climate of respect, ownership and excellence," said Brooks. "I am committed to maintaining this and look forward to our future together."

Forman's next assignment will be at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in Washington, D.C.

Alaska is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of Alaska and the seventh of 18 Ohio-class submarines. USS Alaska was commissioned January 25, 1986.

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