Cmdr. Kelly Laing

Commanding Officer, Green Crew, USS Maine

Commander Kelly Laing, a native of Idaho Falls, ID, graduated from Utah State University in 1998 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and subsequently received his commission from Officer Candidate School in Pensacola Florida. Following completion of training at Naval Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, SC, he reported in August 2000 to USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) where he served in various division officer assignments over five strategic nuclear deterrent patrols.   While serving on the USS WEST VIRGINIA, the submarine received one Battle “E.”  Additionally, while serving aboard the USS WEST VIRGINIA, he was the first nuclear officer to complete the Old Dominion University Masters in Engineering Management degree through correspondence.

In July 2003, he transferred to Trident Training Facility, Kings Bay where he served as Prospective Nuclear Engineer Officer Instructor until August 2005. While Serving at Trident Training Facility Kings Bay, Commander Laing earned the 2004 Instructor of the year award.

Commander Kelly Laing attended the Submarine Officer Advanced Course from August 2005 to January 2006.  Upon graduation, he reported to USS PASADENA (SSN 7752) where he served as Combat Systems Officer from February 2006 to July 2008.  During this tour, the ship conducted the first torpedo-tube launch of a Block IV Tomahawk Cruise Missile, a Western Pacific Deployment, and was awarded the COMSUBRON SEVEN Tactical "T" for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

From August 2008 to June 2009, Commander Laing attended the Air Command and Staff College.  He subsequently completed his Joint Assignment from July 2009 to June 2011 at USSTRATCOM where he served the J3 as the SSBN Nuclear Strategist.  While at USSTRATCOM, he attended the Joint Forces Staff College where he completed JPME II.  Following a successful tour in 2013 as Executive Officer on USS MICHIGAN BLUE (SSGN 727), Commander Laing joined the staff of Submarine Group Nine where he served as the Operations Officer and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training and Readiness.

Commander Laing holds a Masters of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Masters of Science in Strategic Studies from the Air Command and Staff College.

His awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 5 awards), Air Force Commendation Medal.  Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), as well as numerous unit awards. 

Commander Laing is married to the former Heather Perkes from Idaho Falls Idaho and now resides with their four children in Silverdale Washington.