KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- The Blue crew of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731) welcomed their new commanding officer during a ceremony at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Dec. 18.
Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt relieved Cmdr. Brad Terry, who assumed command of the Blue crew in May 2012, completed four strategic deterrent patrols, earned the 2013 Navy League's Trident Submarine Outstanding Performance Award and the Pacific Fleet Retention Excellence Award for 2012 and 2013.
Terry turned over command to Reinhardt and bid farewell to his crew with the traditional reading of orders and motivational.
"I laid out my expectations on day one and the crew has executed, never looking back," said Terry. "My leadership style is quite simple. Establish an environment where these warriors can thrive, remove the inefficiencies holding them back, stay out of the way and let them get to work. I would be successful when every Sailor on Alabama Blue was coming to work with a smile on their face. I don't know if we ever reached that goal. I will tell you everyday I had a smile on my face. It has been the highlight of my 21-year career to be a part of and lead this team. Alabama-Blue, thank you for your service."
Terry is a native of Kentucky and a 1992 graduate of Vanderbilt University. His next assignment will be to the Staff of Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he will serve as the Tactical Readiness Evaluation Senior Member.
Reinhardt, a native of Virginia, and a 1997 University of Virginia graduate, most recently served as the deputy chief of the Joint Staff's Information Management Division.
"I know I have some big shoes to fill; we will continue to improve upon what you and the crew have already established," said Reinhardt to Terry and the Alabama Blue crew. "I am truly humbled and honored to be your commanding officer. It is an awesome responsibility to be in command, especially on the finest submarine in the fleet, and one I do not take lightly."
Alabama is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington, providing the survivable leg of the nation's strategic deterrent forces.