The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) Gold crew held a change-of-command ceremony at the chapel at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Sept. 9.

Cmdr. John Strunk of Woodland, California, relieved Cmdr. Kenneth Curtin as Wyoming Gold commanding officer.

Capt. T.R. Buchanan, Submarine Squadron 20 commodore, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. During his remarks, he credited the hard work and dedication of the people as the main factor towards achieving success in the strategic deterrence mission.

"It is because of the people, like Commanders Curtin and Strunk, and the crew of USS Wyoming and all of Team Kings Bay working in alignment that we have avoided a major power conflict for more than 70 years," Buchanan said. "We execute the basics -- technical know-how, procedural compliance, watch team back up, teamwork, self-assessment, rigorous issue resolution, integrity and humility."

Curtin, of Yonkers, New York, lauded his crew for their outstanding performance.

"Day-in and day-out, this crew you see over there performed their mission with silent professionalism and dedication," said Curtin. "Last year Wyoming was awarded for their hard work with two significant awards -- the Submarine Squadron 20 'Battle E' and U.S. Strategic Command's 2015 Omaha Trophy."

He directly addressed his crew, who were neatly assembled in the base chapel in their dress white uniforms.

"This has been the best two years of my career," Curtin said. "I have loved every day since I took command. You are the best trained, most professional and dedicated Sailors I have ever served with."

Under Curtin's command, Wyoming also visited Faslane, Scotland, which was the first foreign port visit made by an SSBN in more than 12 years.

"The choice of a ship to execute this extremely high-profile mission was not based solely on scheduling, but also on the outstanding track record that this crew racked up over the past few years," said Curtin. "When the time came, this crew executed every facet of the operation flawlessly. They impressed not only me, but also leaders up the chain of command, including four-star admirals who sent congratulatory notes."

During the ceremony, Buchanan presented Curtin with a Meritorious Service Medal.

Strunk took command of the Wyoming Gold crew, part of a network of ballistic missile submarines charged with maintaining continuous forward presence as the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad.

"It is a privilege to stand before you today; I am honored to follow the commanding officers who have gone before me," said Strunk. "USS Wyoming is a fine boat with an extraordinary crew and I am honored to be given the opportunity to command this submarine."

Curtin will report to the Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC) at Naval Submarine Base New London for his new assignment.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more information about USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), visit http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/csg10/boat%20pages/wyoming.aspx.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit http://www.navy.mil/.