A time-honored change of command ceremony was held for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) aboard the former U.S. Navy Iowa-class battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Feb.17.
Cmdr. David Schappert , commanding officer of Houston, was relieved by Cmdr. Paul Davis .
Guest speaker, Capt. John Russ , Commodore, Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 15 praised Schappert for his exceptional performance while commanding Houston as well as the crew on their accomplishments under Schappert’s leadership.
“Cmdr. Schappert and his crew have carried on their namesake’s proud tradition of unwavering devotion and fighting spirit,” said Russ “Over the past two and a half years, under Dave Schappert’s brilliant leadership, his fine crew has truly demonstrated what it means for a member of our modern-day silent service to put warfighting first, operate forward and be ready.”
Schappert acknowledged that the majority of the submarine’s success during his time as commanding officer could be attributed to the crew and their hard work.
“For those who have never been to sea, please understand that submarining is a team sport. Teamwork was the central reason for Houston’s success during my time on board,” he said. “For it is the Sailors that make Houston great, not the steel and technology. These men trained where others deploy, operated where others do not go, and to have been called “Captain” by such men has been my honor.”
Following his remarks, Schappert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from August 2008 to February 2012.
As Cmdr. Davis assumed command of Houston he addressed the crew about the future.
“Houston is an impressive fighting machine. Forged from steel, equipped with the latest technological improvements, she is capable of taking the fight to the enemy,” said Davis. “The crew of Houston is what gives the ship its fighting spirit and what has forged her success. Shipmates, I consider it the highest privilege to be given the opportunity to lead you and eagerly look forward to sailing beneath the waves with you.”
Cmdr. Schappert graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, December 1991 and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. His sea tours include USS Baltimore (SSN 704), USS William H. Bates (SSN 680) and USS Honolulu (SSN 718). He assumed command of Houston Aug. 28, 2009.
Cmdr. Schappert’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), Navy Unit Citation and various unit and service awards.
Cmdr. Schappert will report for duty to Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, Nuclear Propulsion Examination Board.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 20, 2012; Image: navy