The command of a warship was passed down at a time-honored ceremony that was held at the submarine piers for the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 26.
Cmdr. Caleb Kerr commanding officer of Bremerton, was relieved by Cmdr. Wesley Bringham.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Commander Submarine Squadron 1, Capt. James Childs praised Kerr for his exceptional performance while in command of Bremerton.
“Caleb, congratulations on a tremendous tour in the most important job in the Navy and the pinnacle of naval service,” said Childs.
Kerr said he is proud of having had the opportunity to be in command of Bremerton and working with a fantastic team of Sailors.
“It has been an honor to serve with all of you for the past three years and I look forward to hearing about the continued success of the “Bad Fish.” Be true, work hard, work smart, work together, be ready, win wars,” said Kerr.
During the ceremony, Kerr received the Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as the commanding officer of Bremerton from June 2010 to July 2013.
Among Kerr’s awards are the Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon, and Meritorious Service Medal as well as other unit awards and commendations.
As Bringham assumed command of Bremerton, he thanked Kerr for turning over a great command and an even greater crew. His first words were of admiration.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your new commanding officer. To safely navigate our upcoming transitions, I ask you to press on, maintaining your steady strain on the fundamental submarining that is so clearly a reflection of Captain Kerr’s gifted leadership,” said Bringham.
USS Bremerton is named in honor of the city of Bremerton, Wash. Commissioned in Mar. 28, 1981. Bremerton is the 10th ship of the Los Angeles-class of nuclear attack submarines. The submarine is 362-feet long, displaces 6,900 tons and can be armed with sophisticated Mark-48 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
[mappress] Press Release, July 30, 2013; Image: US Navy