Captain Mark Potter was farewelled by his staff on September 4, when he finished his post in the position of Commander of the Royal Australian Navy’s Submarine Force (COMSUB).
After officially handing Command over to Captain Matt Buckley, the outgoing COMSUB was given a send off at the Sir James Stirling Mess at HMAS Stirling.
Commander Neil Carson, Deputy COMSUB, acted as Master of Ceremonies as Captain Potter was presented with numerous departure gifts, demonstrating the high esteem with which he was considered by his subordinates.
Before he departed, Captain Potter had the unique opportunity to promote United States Navy exchange officer Lieutenant Commander Travis Zettel to Commander. Commander Zettel has worked within the submarine force as the Staff Officer of Operations for the past 20 months. He is part of a team of seven United States Navy members working within the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Organisation.
Prior to boarding the Launch, Captain Potter passed through a substantial, and very vocal, guard of honour. In traditional Captain Potter style, he remarked on the fact that after 20 years as a submariner, it was his first time he would actually travel ‘under’ the main causeway bridge onto Garden Island.
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