USS Columbia Holds Change of Command Aboard Missouri
By MC2 Steven Khor
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 10/19/2012

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – A time-honored change of command ceremony was held at the USS Missouri Memorial for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oct. 19.

Capt. Dennis Boyer, commanding officer of Columbia was relieved by Cmdr. J. Patrick Friedman.

Guest speaker Capt. Rick Stoner, commander of Submarine Squadron 7, praised Boyer for his exceptional performance while in command of Columbia.

"Congratulations on a job well done. The significance of your accomplishment in such a short period of time cannot be overstated," said Stoner. "You were the right man for the job and have done extremely well."

Following his remarks, Boyer was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from May 2012 to Oct. 2012.

Boyer said he loved having the opportunity to command Columbia and working with some fantastic Sailors.

"Every day I tell myself how great it is to be in the continuous company of good Americans trying to do good things," said Boyer to his assembled crew. "I understand and appreciate the hard work you do every day."

As Friedman assumed command of Columbia he addressed the crew about the future.

"Live by Columbia's guiding principles, strive to be expert submariners and always be true to the Columbia, your shipmates and yourselves. We follow a long line of Columbia warriors who fought and sacrificed to defend our country's freedoms. I look forward to serving with each of you. In all that we do…strength and honor!"

The Columbia held her change of command ceremony on Missouri partly due to the fact that Columbia, Mo. had shared the namesake honor for 18 years, along with Columbia, Ill. and Columbia, S.C.

Boyer's personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards) and Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) as well as numerous unit awards.

Boyer will report for duty to the office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.