NSSC Stands up on Subase Bangor

Navy NewsStand ^ | 3/7/2004 | Journalist 2nd Class Mary Popejoy, Naval Submarine Base Bangor Public Affairs

[BykrBayb]

Story Number: NNS040305-12 Release Date: 3/7/2004 2:18:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Mary Popejoy, Naval Submarine Base Bangor Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Submarine Base Bangor has aligned itself with other submarine bases by standing up a Naval Submarine Support Center (NSSC) Feb. 27.

The NSSC will be responsible for the whole array of sub support, which covers operational support, material, legal, administration, medical and engineering.

The implementation of the NSSC will give submariners one place to go for all their needs.

“The NSSC will provide all the submarines on the waterfront with a one-stop reference for submarine support,” said Cmdr. Peter Dawson, commanding officer of NSSC. “Previously, all of the support services were divided between Commander, Submarine Group (CSG) 9 and Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 17, who were also responsible for the readiness, long-term planning and outlook for the Bangor submarine force. By setting up the NSSC, we’ve taken several personnel from CSG-9 and CSS-17 and brought them down to the waterfront,” said Dawson.

“By doing that, it allows us to concentrate on the support areas, and CSS-17 and CSG-9 can focus on readiness and training so that when the submarines do go to sea, they’re better manned and better able to fight their ship,” said CMDCM (SS) Larry Hamon, command master chief of NSSC.

The NSSC will also combine two jobs into one.

“The immediate impact the submarines will see is the function of the CSG-9 command duty officer (CDO) and CSS-17 CDO will form to become one NSSC CDO, so the submarines have only one person to call for sub support,” said Dawson.

The NSSC organization will also bring change to CSS-17.

“Our transfer is greater than anywhere else because not only are we standing up an NSSC, but we’ll also be standing up a new squadron soon. Essentially, CSS-17 will divide in two, and we’re going to get an additional squadron with a whole new staff, which will increase the level of support and personnel working on the readiness of the organization,” said Dawson.

With the transition of the NSSC underway, Dawson wants to reassure all of the submarines on the waterfront that he has their best interests in mind.

“My main concern is to make sure we don’t reduce the level of support to the submarines in this transition phase, because we are here to maintain freedom. Sailors at NSSC Bangor are to put the boats first, because their job is to support the submarines,” said Dawson.

Dawson went on to say that he’s looking forward to his new job and working with a great group of people.

“We’re going to see a significant improvement in service on the waterfront and in overall efficiency. It’s a great honor to be chosen to stand up this command and see it through its first couple of years. To lead a group of guys as qualified, professional and enthusiastic as we have at NSSC Bangor is professionally and personally rewarding.”

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