USS PITTSBURGH ( SSN 720 ) HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY ; CARNEGIE LOCAL TAKES THE BRIDGE
The nuclear-powered , Los Angeles class , fast-attack submarine USS Pittsburgh ( SSN 720 ) held a change of command ceremony in the Dealey Theater at Naval Submarine Base New London earlier this year during which Cmdr . Neil Colston transferred command to Carnegie native Cmdr . Jason Deichler .
Colston spoke of the highlights of Pittsburgh ’ s battle history over the boat ’ s 34 years of active service , including being one of the first U . S . fast-attack submarines to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles at enemy targets during Operation Desert Storm , followed by combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom .
“ It has indeed been a high honor to be assigned as her commanding officer over the last few years . Through my time Pittsburgh has continued to build upon her great tradition ,” he added .
Pittsburgh is one of the oldest boats in the Atlantic Fleet , and has completed more than 1,000 dives .
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 .”
He added , “ As I grew up in the small Pittsburgh suburb of Carnegie , I saw hardworking 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 .” ■
CARLYNTON-MONTOUR ❘ SUMMER 2018 9