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