SILVERDALE, Wash. - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) held a change of command, June 25.
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| Cmdr. James "Andy" Wiest |
Cmdr. James “Andy” Wiest, from Anderson, South Carolina, relieved Cmdr. David Vehon to assume the duties and responsibilities as Jacksonville’s commanding officer.
Capt. Richard Massie, commodore, Submarine Squadron 19, welcomed Wiest as Jacksonville’s new commanding officer.
“We look forward to working with you as you lead through the final victorious chapter in the impressive life of the United States Ship Jacksonville – Welcome!” said Massie.
“I am conscious of the extraordinary privilege and honor I have been given to command the crew of Jacksonville," said Wiest. "I recognize that they are placing an extraordinary amount of trust in the Navy and in me personally as their commanding officer. I commit that I will do my best to be a fair, approachable leader who is interested not only in the command’s success, but in their personal and professional success as well. As such, my commitment to you, Commodore, and my crew is that I will strive to earn this extraordinary privilege every day I’m in command."
Jacksonville completed their last deployment Aug. 10, 2017 and arrived at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton to commence the inactivation and decommissioning process, Dec. 12, 2017, after completing 36 years of service.
Jacksonville is the only vessel of the U.S. Navy to be named for Jacksonville, Florida.
For more news about USS Jacksonville and other Commander, Submarine Group 9 units, visit www.facebook.com/SubGru9 or www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.