The U.S. Navy’s Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) held a change of command ceremony at the submarine pier on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on August 5.
Cmdr. Wesley Bringham, commanding officer of Bremerton, was relieved by Cmdr. Travis Zettel.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Capt. James P. Waters , praised Bringham for his successful performance while in command of Bremerton.
“I believe it is clear that he has proven himself through the trial by fire that is independent command at sea,” said Waters. “Wes demonstrated a rare combination of traits which ensure that when the storms come, he sees the opportunities for success and relentlessly drives to achieve them.”
During the ceremony, Capt. Tim Rexrode, commander of Submarine Squadron One, presented Cmdr. Bringham with a Meritorious Service Medal for his service as commanding officer of Bremerton from July, 2013 until August 2016.
Following his tour as Bremerton’s commanding officer, Bringham will report to Submarine Squadron One as Deputy Commander in Pearl Harbor.
As Zettel assumed command of Bremerton, he expressed his pride in becoming the boat’s 15th commanding officer and commended the crew of Bringham for his successful tour.
“Becoming the 15th commanding officer of the now 35 year old ‘American classic’ is a proud moment for me and my family,” said Zettel.
USS Bremerton is named in honor of the city of Bremerton, Washington. Bremerton was commissioned on March 28, 1981 and is the 10th ship of the Los Angeles-class of nuclear attack submarines.