Fair winds and following seas. The final ceremony of USS Albuquerque, after 34 years of proud service.
On behalf of the present officers and crew of USS Albuquerque (SSN-706), I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of Albuquerque's loyal crew, her supporters, and honored guests. Today we celebrate a culmination of over thirty-four years of distinguished service in the defense of our nation. We are proud of Albuquerque's superior reputation, her remarkable record of performance, and her many accomplishments.
Today's ceremony is a tribute to this ship and her crew, both past and present, as we celebrate the USS Albuquerque's decommissioning. We are glad you could join us to witness this historic event.
From commissioning to decommissioning, fourteen officers commanded USS Albuquerque. Here they are, in order, exactly as recorded in the official decommissioning program.
| # | Rank & Name | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Captain Richard H. Hartman | New Construction ~ October 17, 1983 |
| 2 | Commander Scott L. Sears | October 17, 1983 ~ December 3, 1986 |
| 3 | Commander John T. Byrd | December 3, 1986 ~ August 25, 1989 |
| 4 | Commander James C. Kane | August 25, 1989 ~ May 29, 1992 |
| 5 | Commander Michael R. King | May 29, 1992 ~ April 6, 1995 |
| 6 | Commander Leonard A. Zingarelli | April 6, 1995 ~ June 24, 1997 |
| 7 | Commander Stephen G. Gabriele | June 24, 1997 ~ December 1, 1999 |
| 8 | Commander Jerry K. Burroughs | December 1, 1999 ~ June 7, 2002 |
| 9 | Commander Stuart B. Munsch | June 7, 2002 ~ June 27, 2005 |
| 10 | Commander Robert I. Douglass | June 27, 2005 ~ October 12, 2007 |
| 11 | Commander Michael G. Badorf | October 12, 2007 ~ July 23, 2010 |
| 12 | Commander Christopher J. Cavanaugh | July 23, 2010 ~ August 23, 2013 |
| 13 | Commander Trenton D. Hesslink | August 23, 2013 ~ August 28, 2015 |
| 14 | Commander Donald I. Tenney | August 28, 2015 ~ Decommissioning |
It is a naval tradition that dates back centuries for every ship to design and fly their own Battle Flag. It is a tradition deeply rooted in pride and history that embodies the spirit and legacy of each ship.
Albuquerque's battle flag is decorated with the crest and motto of the ship, as well as her decorations earned across 34 years of service. It also includes the silver and gold dolphins that represent the crew and all those who served aboard her.
The ship's nickname on the left — "The Sure Shooter" — was earned in 1999 after executing 10 successful Tomahawk strikes during Operation Noble Anvil, one of the ship's proudest achievements. The 10 missile patches on the left represent each missile fired during that campaign. Finally, the whale clutching a torpedo and a Tomahawk represents the weapons capability of the USS Albuquerque.
Military units have historically employed emblems as a means of organizational identification. Designed during the new construction period, the chosen insignia becomes an integral part of the ship's ongoing history. Closely associated with the crew and its reputation, the emblem is proudly displayed on a wide variety of official documents and memorabilia.
The Circle of Red Braid — The red braid encircling the seal represents the eternal commitment of the crew to the values of pride, patriotism, honor, and tradition.
Gold and Burgundy — The colors of the state flag of New Mexico, which honor Isabella of Castile and the conquistadors who explored in her name. The conquistadors carried the red and yellow Cross of Burgundy Flag, the military flag of Spain.
State Outline — Demonstrates the pride in the great state of New Mexico.
Red Sun Symbol — The red sun symbol proudly displayed on the New Mexico flag honors the Zia, an indigenous American Indian tribe of New Mexico. The sun symbolizes the Circle of Life: four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four sacred obligations. The circle binds the four elements of four together.
The Submarine Silhouette — Striking in its appearance, the bow-on perspective of a nuclear submarine is unmistakable. Bold and steadfast, it serves as a warning of the ship's resolute commitment to defending freedom.
Silentum Excubitor — The ship's motto: "Silent Guardian."
Master of Ceremonies: Lieutenant Commander Douglas R. Kramer, USN — Executive Officer
Per the official 2017 decommissioning program:
Throughout her thirty-three years of service to our nation, USS Albuquerque (SSN-706) completed over 21 deployments combined in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Southern and Central Command areas of responsibility.
She steamed more than 1.1 million nautical miles — roughly the equivalent of 45 circumnavigations of the Earth — made over 1,000 dives, and called at more than 35 foreign ports across 18+ countries.
On 27 February 2017, at the Keyport Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington, her long watch finally came to an end.
Albuquerque, the ship's namesake city, was founded in 1706 by Spanish explorers and named for the Duke of Albuquerque. Located in the rich farmland of the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque sits at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet, surrounded by the Sandia Mountains.
Today, Albuquerque is a commercial, military research, and finance center with a population of over 500,000. In addition to high-technology industries such as Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base, the city hosts over 700 firms producing a wide variety of goods from processed foods to electrical machinery. The city also offers outstanding recreational areas for skiing, hiking, and camping.
USS Albuquerque enjoyed a unique, mutually supportive relationship with her namesake city throughout her career. At the ship's commissioning in 1983, the Mayor of Albuquerque presented a set of keys for a new Rolls Royce to the Commanding Officer — with one condition: the first skipper to pilot the submarine up the Rio Grande to Albuquerque for a port visit would win the prize. At each Change of Command ceremony, those keys were turned over to the new Commanding Officer by the Mayor or his representative. The Rolls Royce was never claimed — but the tradition stood for 34 years.
USS Albuquerque (SSN-706) is the second United States warship to be named after Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first was USCGS Albuquerque (PF-7) — a patrol frigate commissioned in December 1943 and decommissioned in February 1953.
When SSN-706 was commissioned on May 21, 1983 under her first commanding officer Captain Richard H. Hartman, she carried that legacy forward for another thirty-four years of distinguished service.
The ship was christened by Nancy L. Domenici, wife of New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici — a connection that bonded the boat permanently to the state she was named for.
Special Thanks & Gratitude
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
The Northwest Navy League
The New Mexico Navy League
Senator & Mrs. Pete Domenici — Ship's Sponsor