Submarine captain from East Troy passes on command
By Amanda Gray
Contributor
The USS Maine Blue crew of the ballistic-missile submarine USS Maine conducted a change of command ceremony at Deterrent Park on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Aug. 13.
Cmdr. Kelly Laing, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, relieved Capt. William Johnson, from East Troy, and assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Maine Blue crew commanding officer.
Johnson assumed command of Maine Blue crew Oct. 11, 2012. During his leadership, the crew conducted four patrols and successfully completed two dry dock periods. Blue crew earned the 2012 Engineering Efficiency and Battle Efficiency (Battle “E”) Awards, the 2014 Battle “E” Award, and the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Retention Excellence Awards.
“It has been a tremendous honor to have served with such an outstanding crew – sailors that take tremendous pride in their job and work tirelessly toward our mission of strategic deterrence,” Johnson said. “Maine is a phenomenal engineering marvel, but it is nothing without the crew; the true heart and soul that brings Maine to life, takes her to sea, and proudly executes the demands of our nation.”
As his final act as commanding officer, Johnson pinned submarine warfare devices “dolphins” onto Lt. j.g. Justin Piche and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Demarco.
“The sailors of Maine are truly a family – we look out for each other, take care of each other, push our shipmates to new limits, celebrate our successes and work together through our challenges,” Johnson said. “The Maine family is what has made my tour so rewarding.”
Laing comes to Maine Blue from Commander, Submarine Group Nine, where he served as the operations officer and deputy chief of staff for training and readiness.
“I am honored to stand before you today and assume the title, authority and responsibility of command of the greatest warship in our nation’s strategic arsenal, USS Maine, said Laing. “I am humbled and grateful to now take the torch from Capt. Johnson and continue his legacy of excellence with the team of USS Maine, fulfilling the mission of nuclear strategic deterrence.”
Maine is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, providing the survivable leg of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces.
Amanda Gray is a petty officer second class with the U.S. Navy.
