A change of command ceremony was held at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam submarine piers for Los Angeles-class submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715) Feb. 1.
Cmdr. Richard E. Seif, commanding officer of Buffalo, was relieved by Cmdr. Brian L. Tothero.
Guest speaker, Rear Adm. James G. Foggo, III, the director of the OPNAV staff’s assessmet division (N81), praised Seif for his exceptional performance while in command of Buffalo.
“Rick, in my humble opinion, there hasn’t been a boat with a record of achievement and performance like this in a long time. Well done,” said Foggo.
During the Speech, Foggo announced that Seif received the Legion of Merit award for his performance as the commanding officer of Buffalo from April 2010 to February 2013.
Seif said he is proud of having the opportunity to command Buffalo and working with some fantastic Sailors.
“Men of Buffalo, your performance over the past three years has been nothing less than spectacular,” said Seif. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve with you and command this warship. I’m grateful to all of you.”
As Tothero assumed command of Buffalo, he thanked Seif for turning over a great ship and an even greater crew.
“I am able to serve with a crew that has amassed a series of successes over its time while forward deployed in Guam. To the man, they are truly the best and brightest of our nation’s youth and young adults. It is an honor to serve with them,” said Tothero.
While under Seif’s command, Buffalo completed numerous bilateral exercises, received a Meritorious Unit Commendation, won two Battle “E” awards, completed three six-month deployments, and won the Navy’s prestigious Arleigh Burke fleet trophy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 5, 2013; Image: US Navy