Cmdr. Jonathan Padgett relieved Cmdr. Richard McCandless as commanding officer of Albany.
Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher, the ceremony’s visitor speaker, praised McCandless for his time as Albany’s commanding officer.
“The reality is Richard is a consummate skilled, and mannequin submarine officer,” mentioned Gaucher. “He has spent his tour making a very good boat higher and earned his success by way of management and improvement of his Sailors.”
Gaucher went on to focus on a number of of McCandless’ accomplishments whereas onboard Albany.
“Richard is a captain who engages his workforce personally, and who takes care of the individual, not simply the Sailor,” mentioned Gaucher. “On deployment alone his crew earned 48 silver dolphins, 11 gold dolphins and had seven new additions to the boat’s chief mess. Richard is a captain who leaves an distinctive legacy within the Sailors of Albany and I’m extraordinarily pleased with him for all he has completed.”
Gaucher continued on to welcome Padgett and supplied phrases of recommendation as he assumed command of Albany.
“Jonathan, I do know you’ve gotten a wealthy operational background, serving as govt officer onboard USS Jefferson Metropolis and division head on USS Nebraska,” mentioned Gaucher. “Harness that have, depend on your intestine, take deliberate danger when crucial, and be the captain. We look ahead to seeing you succeed on Albany.”
Earlier than handing over command of Albany, McCandless took time to thank his crew for his or her dedication and laborious work.
“To my chief quarters, you’re the spine of the ship,” mentioned McCandless. “To my crew at giant, congratulations on being the 2022 commander, Submarine Squadron Six Battle “E” boat. You need to take great delight on this achievement. Get pleasure from this second. You all have labored so laborious and completed a lot. It has been the best honor and privilege of my life to be your commanding officer. You might be ceaselessly my shipmates.”
McCandless’ subsequent task is as a battalion officer on the U.S. Naval Academy.
Whereas assuming command, Padgett addressed the crew as the brand new commanding officer.
“To the crew of Albany, I’m deeply humbled to be standing right here in the present day and I look ahead to working with each one among you,” mentioned Padgett. “Because the premier submariners of the world, we have now bonds deeply rooted in historical past and custom, and an obligation solely we will fulfill. Our job and mission as dolphin-wearing brothers is to enter hurt’s manner undetected, with objective and precision, and break our adversary’s will. Our nation depends on use to be prepared to take care of freedom of the seas and struggle and win wars. If and when that decision is made, we are going to reply, Gentleman, we’re Albany, and I’m honored to be your captain.”
Quick-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling 5 of the six Navy maritime technique core capabilities – sea management, energy projection, ahead presence, maritime safety and deterrence. They’re designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, particular operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare. Quick-attack submarines mission energy ashore with particular operations forces and Tomahawk cruise missiles within the prevention or preparation of regional crises.
The Los Angeles-class submarine is 360 ft lengthy and 33 ft huge, and weighs about 6,900 tons when submerged. Underwater, it could attain speeds in extra of 25 knots.
