SUBFOR Conducts All Hands Call in Kings Bay

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erica R. Gardner, Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Forces/Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic recently visited Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Ga., and took advantage of the visit to hold an All Hands Call with area submariners.

During the All Hands Call with junior enlisted, chiefs, and officers, Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly praised the efforts of Kings Bay Sailors and briefly spoke about the significant cultural changes that have taken place in the submarine force since he took command three-and-a-half years ago.

"Kings Bay is the model homeport of all the submarine bases," said Donnelly, who took command of the submarine force in February 2007. "The performances at Submarine Squadron 20 and Submarine Squadron 16 has truly been superb. This is the performance I look for, so keep up the great work."

He touched on the integration of women in submarines and smoking cessation.

"We are going to have women in subs and the first submarine to house the women will be from Kings Bay. I know we can make this a successful event," said Donnelly. "The importance of the smoking cessation program is to protect the health of the submariners. Through the collaborative efforts of the entire crew, smokers and non-smokers have the opportunity to mentor and support each other.

"We are the best submarine force in the world; there is no doubt about that," he emphasized. "And I just want to say to all of you, thank you, it has been an honor to serve with you."