by
Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
 |
| Cmdr. Jason Deichler rung ashore as new Commanding Officer of USS Pennsylvania |
(GROTON, Conn.) - The nuclear-powered, Los Angeles class,
fast-attack submarine, USS Pittsburgh, held a change of command
ceremony in the Dealey Theater at Naval Submarine Base, New London on Jan. 12,
2018.
Cmdr. Neil Colston transferred command of USS Pittsburgh to
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native Cmdr. Jason Deichler (middle).
Deichler, a self-described son of Pittsburgh said, “The USS
Pittsburgh has proven for over 30 years that she is one of the finest
submarines our world has and will ever know, and I thank our leadership for the
trust and blessings to lead this amazing crew into harm’s way once again."
In a message for Pittsburgh’s Sailors Deichler said, “To the crew
of Pittsburgh—from the day I stepped onboard during underway operations, you
have shown me the definition of sustained, programmatic excellence. I am
enthused to lead on with you through the next few years.”
Pittsburgh’s new commanding officer also spoke about his
motivations. “As I grew up in the small Pittsburgh suburb of Carnegie, I saw
hard working men and women pick up a piece of chalk and teach the next
generation, or pick up a sledgehammer and conduct a training with
professionalism and integrity, or wield a mother’s love to teach children the
values of family and humility. Those sons and daughters of Pittsburgh inspired
me to breathlessly work hard and never give up. I carry with me each day this
fact—I am a son of Pittsburgh and I am the son of James and Karen Deichler. I
will never forget the faces of the men and women of Pittsburgh, nor the faces
of my family.”
Deichler closed his speech with a message for his crew.
“Pittsburgh, I am humbled beyond words to be your CO, and I ask that you
remember each day why we fight—I ask that you too never forget the faces of
your family.”
**See links
below for photos**
https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/25859154158/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/39731162101/in/dateposted-public/
- - Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Owsley,
Naval Submarine Support Center, New London, Public Affairs