One of the newest members of Naval Base Kitsap changed command on Dec. 10, as Cmdr. Geoffrey deBeauclair relieved Cmdr. Christian Haugen as commanding officer of USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) (Gold) at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport.

Capt. Robert Schuetz, commander, Submarine Squadron 17, told the packed auditorium about legacy of the guest speaker they were about to meet. 

Capt. (ret) Neil Walsh graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his career, Walsh served on six submarines, including two as commanding officer. Under his command, his crews were awarded the Battle Efficiency “E”, the US Pacific Fleet Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Award and the Golden Anchor Award, just to name a few. 

“It’s important for all of you to remember these times,” said Walsh to those in attendance. “It all goes by before you know it.”

Haugen went over the seven Nebraska values he believed in most. Those included: Do the right thing; face your panel; believe your indications; be quiet; whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right; life is hard; suffering is a personal choice; learn something new everyday; leave things a little better than you found them.

“Do the right thing could be applied to encouraging strict procedural compliance or admitting when a mistake was made,” explained Haugen. “It meant building and sustaining healthy relationships on or off the ship.”

“Daily 270 million Americans live in quiet appreciation for the sacrifices you make. The country they build remains strong and secure under your watch. It has been my greatest honor and privilege to stand among you for this time. Go Big Red!”

Haugen’s next assignment is at the Trident Training Facility (TTF) on Naval Base Kitsap. deBeauclair previously served as Submarine Staff Officer at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Power in Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium. He is the sixth commanding officer of Nebraska’s Gold crew.