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 Michigan (Gold) Welcomes New Captain “Today is a moment to celebrate the hard work and achievements of Team Michigan and the crew of Michigan Gold,” said McLaughlin, who is retiring after a 25-year Navy career. “I couldn’t be prouder than to be a part of that magnificent group of Sailors we call Michigan Gold.” During his command tenure, which began in November 2009, McLaughlin guided Michigan through two operational periods during the boat’s second forward deployment to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations. “Phil McLaughlin is a terrific leader and commanding officer who demands excellence and professionalism from his team,” said Rear Adm. Bob Hennegan, commander of Submarine Group 9. “That team has delivered, and our nation is more secure because of their dedication and sacrifice.” Under McLaughlin, the Gold Crew not only operated successfully in the Western Pacific, it also hosted tours for senior military leaders from the Republic of Korea, showcasing the contributions of the SSGN platform to the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. “Simply being forward deployed, we assure our allies and dissuade our potential adversaries. It is deterrence in a way that is meaningful and visual,” McLaughlin said. “It is important work, and I am proud to have been a part of it.” Michigan (Gold) marked the second command tour for McLaughlin, who previously served as commanding officer of the Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22). James joins Michigan (Gold) from the staff of Strategic Systems Programs in Washington, D.C., where he has served since September 2007. He previously served as executive officer of the attack submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) and Blue Crew commanding officer of the ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732). Michigan and its sister SSGN, USS Ohio (SSGN 726), are homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and forward deployed to Guam. |
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