New Orleans Native Changes Command

Cmdr. Mike Paisant, (left), assumes command of the 
Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland 
(SSBN 738) (gold) from Cmdr. Chris Horgan (right).

By Lt. Lily Hinz, Commander, Submarine Group Ten Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. -- The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Gold) held a change of command at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay World War II memorial pavilion, June 8.

Cmdr. Chris Horgan (right) was relieved by Cmdr. Michael Paisant (left) as commanding officer of Maryland (Gold).

Capt. Bob Wirth, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 20, served as the guest speaker for the event.

“Once reconstituted and out to see, we put Maryland Gold through a series of major inspections designed to test their readiness for both peacetime and wartime operations. Maryland Fold, conducting their first major inspections following an extended overhaul period, achieved scored that any seasoned crew would be proud of,” said Wirth.

Paisant, a New Orleans native, was last stationed at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or NGA. His most recent operational assignment was as executive officer aboard USS Georgia (SSGN 729).

During his remarks, Paisant expressed his enthusiasm for the crew’s mission and its success. “We are charged with Strategic Deterrence, the most important mission in the Department of Defense, and must be ready. I look forward to continuing the traditions and warfighting spirit I have come to observe during my turnover,” Paisant said. “We will train hard, fight hard and embrace a culture of continuous improvement so that we are ready when our number is called. 738 will be ready.”

Maryland is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the State of Maryland and the 13th of 18 Ohio-class submarines.

**See link below for additional photo**
https://www.flickr.com/photos/navyoutreach/28929083898/in/dateposted-public/