Above: Cmdr. Kelly Laing is piped ashore following a change of command ceremony. Photo by Officer Amanda R. Gray.
Idaho Falls is proud to be the hometown to many a fine individual; this week, it’s an honor to claim Naval Commander Kelly Laing as a native of our community. Last week, Cmdr. Laing assumed the duties and responsibilities of the Blue crew of the USS Maine, a ballistic-missile submarine, at a change of command ceremony at Deterrent Park on the Kitsap-Bangor naval base in Washington.
Cmdr. Laing relieved Captain William Johnson of Wisconsin, the commanding officer of the Maine Blue crew since October 2012. “The Sailors of Maine are truly a family - we look out for each other, take care of each other, push our shipmates to new limits, celebrate our successes and work together through our challenges,” said Johnson. “The Maine family is what has made my tour so rewarding."
Laing comes to Maine Blue from Commander, Submarine Group Nine, where he served as the operations officer and deputy chief of staff for training and readiness.
“I am honored to stand before you today and assume the title, authority and responsibility of command of the greatest warship in our nation's strategic arsenal, USS Maine,” said Laing. “I am humbled and grateful to now take the torch from Capt. Johnson and continue his legacy of excellence with the team of USS Maine, fulfilling the mission of nuclear strategic deterrence.”
We’re proud of you, Commander Laing, and we wish you and the crew of the Maine all the best.