Retired Submariner Commemorates Both Bicentennial, Semiquincentennial in Guam

July 6, 2026 | By Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 |

Fifty years after raising the national colors in Guam for America's bicentennial, retired Navy Cmdr. Allan Riggs returned to the island July 4 to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday alongside a new generation of submariners.

Riggs has now participated in morning colors from Guam during both America's 200th and 250th birthday celebrations, a distinction spanning half a century of submarine history.

Now 77, Riggs stood alongside the duty officer aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis as the national ensign was raised over the submarine.

"I served proudly for 27 years," Riggs said. "I'm proud of the country; I'm proud of where it's going, and I'm honored to be able to do this."

On July 4, 1976, then-Navy Lt. j.g. Riggs was serving as the duty officer aboard the ballistic-missile submarine USS Theodore Roosevelt in Guam. That morning, he had the distinct honor of raising the national colors in recognition of America's bicentennial.

Serving in what he described as a symbolic location, the Roosevelt was the first submarine to raise the colors that historic morning in Guam, where America's day begins.

"It will remain one of the most profound privileges of my career to have executed morning colors on that historic morning in such a symbolically significant location," Riggs said.

Exactly 50 years later, Riggs returned to the same island to honor that moment and mark another milestone in the nation's history.

When he approached Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, with the idea of returning to Guam for the historic anniversary, Navy Capt. Neil Steinhagen immediately recognized the significance of the occasion.

"Having Cmdr. Riggs as a guest aboard [the] Annapolis was an easy decision to support," Steinhagen said. "We often look back on our history and ask what has carried our nation and our Navy forward. Moments like this provide the answer. Morning colors is a tradition observed every day, but on the Fourth of July, the flag represents the freedom generations before us fought to secure and the promise today's sailors have volunteered to defend. By standing together aboard [the] Annapolis on America's 250th birthday, we united the legacy of those who came before us with the future leaders who will carry that fighting spirit forward."

For Riggs, returning to the place where he marked the nation's bicentennial offered an opportunity to connect two generations of submariners and reflect on a lifetime of service.

"This is a deeply meaningful opportunity to honor the enduring traditions of the submarine force, reflect on my service and pay tribute to the ongoing legacy of naval excellence in the Pacific," the Ohio native said.

Following morning colors, the color detail presented Riggs with the flag flown. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Derrick Simmons, the submarine's executive officer, also presented him with a commemorative flag certificate honoring the lasting example of his service.

The certificate stated that Riggs' presence served as a lasting reminder that while generations of submariners may change their devotion to duty, honor and country remain eternal.

The moment represented more than a celebration of the nation's birthday. It served as a reminder that the traditions of the submarine force are carried forward by the sailors who serve, the families who stand beside them and the generations who follow in their footsteps.

For Riggs, the day also provided an opportunity to recognize those who made his return possible — and those who supported him throughout his 27 years of naval service.

"I want to thank the people who helped make this possible," he said. "My wife supported me throughout all my years of service, as did my sons and all the people here at Submarine Squadron 15. This is the finest military in the world. We're doing what needs to be done, and we're going where we need to go. Being here alongside [the] USS Annapolis, a superb U.S. Navy fast-attack submarine, is an honor."

Fifty years after raising the colors for America's bicentennial, Riggs once again stood beneath the flag he proudly served — this time alongside a new generation of submariners continuing the watch.

USS Annapolis wins 2011 CNO Afloat Safety Award

From Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- A Commander, Naval Safety Center message announced April 4 that the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) is the recipient of the 2011 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Afloat Safety Award for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

Annapolis was one of 19 afloat units to receive this annual recognition from the CNO. The winning ship in each category receives a special plaque and official CNO citation. They are also authorized to display the green safety "S" flag on their ship until next year's results are announced.

In addition to an outstanding safety record, selected ships also have an aggressive safety program that actively contributes to safety mishap prevention, including comprehensive and professional internal safety reporting.

Cmdr. John Gearhart, Annapolis' commanding officer, praised his crew for their hard work and dedication required to receive this annual safety award.

"We are privileged to be selected as the 2011 CNO Safety Award for Submarine Force Atlantic, fleet attack submarines," said Gearhart. "This achievement is a testament to the committed effort toward high day-to-day standards and deck-plate leadership, combined with the consistent effort of the crew to maintain a safe work environment."

The award cycle, which runs from January 1 through December 31 every calendar year, recognizes outstanding contributions to fleet readiness, increased morale, efficiency and economical use of resources through safety.

Commissioned April 11, 1992, Annapolis is named in honor of the capital city of Maryland and is the fourth warship to bear the city's namesake. The first ship, named Annapolis, was a patrol gunboat (PG 10), commissioned in 1867. A patrol frigate (PF 15), commissioned in 1944, was the second ship named after the "America's Sailing Capital." Prior to SSN 760, the most recent ship to bear the same name was a major communications relay ship (AGMR 1).

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 18

From the Navy News Service

1838 - Exploring Expedition under Lt. Charles Wilkes embarks on world cruise.

1911 - First Navy Nurse Corps superintendent, Esther Voorhees Hasson, appointed.

1965 - First major amphibious assault in Vietnam, Operation Starlight captures 2,000 Viet Cong.

1966 - First ship-to-shore satellite radio message sent from USS Annapolis (AMGR 1) in South China Sea to Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor.

1974 - After flooding in Philippines, Navy helicopters begin six days of operations to rescue people and bring supplies (244 flights).

Don't forget the history and sacrifices of American heroes; discover these Vietnam veteran books where our heroes tell you their story.

Service Members Treated to Celebrity Chef Luncheon During Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mavis A. Tillman, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD7) Sailors and distinguished guests were treated to a luncheon on board the ship while it was in port for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, April 27.

Coral Ridge Country Club Executive Chef Udo Mueller and his staff treated the crew and guests as part of the annual fleet week Celebrity Chef Luncheon. The event features several local chefs who show off the best in South Florida cuisine while giving Navy culinary specialists and ships' crew the opportunity to experience new dishes.

"This is my fourth year participating in this event, and my first time on a ship this size with a big enough kitchen to prepare a whole banquet," said Mueller, who also expressed his amazement at how much food is prepared each day for the crew.

This year's signature dish was Belizean Lobster Salad, Duet of Chilean Seabass, and Braised Beef with Whipped Potatoes.

"We are in Florida, so I chose a tropical kind of food," said Mueller.

Culinary specialists and food service attendants (FSA) worked closely with Mueller and his staff of two sous chefs and two service attendants throughout the meal preparation and presentation, down to garnishing each plate of food and synchronizing service.

"It is important for us to get this kind of opportunity to learn the hands-on tricks of the trade, get some new recipes, and see the talents the chef and his staff showcase," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kevin Sutton.

"Lunch was amazing," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Claudia Conger. "Everyone at our table was so impressed by the presentation, atmosphere and setting of the event."

The chef, his staff, and distinguished luncheon guests were offered tours of the ship after the meal by Capt. Thomas Chassee, USS Iwo Jima commanding officer.

"Leaving the club house to another location for an event is always nice, but hearing it's on board a United States naval ship was exciting; nothing will ever top that," said J.J. Sehlke, Coral Ridge Country Club managing partner.

Other local celebrity chefs also prepared luncheons for fleet week service members.

More than one hundred and fifty guests and crew members from guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Iwo Jima and U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale were honored through the annual fleet week event.

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011. The week-long celebration showcases the men and women of the sea services. It also highlights the capabilities of the ships, submarines, SEABEES, Riverine units, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard. Fort Lauderdale honors these men and women through public events and recognition.

For more information on Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, visit the Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Center's Navy NewsStand page at https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/nrse/.

Media outlets interested in covering Fleet Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Blyth at 202-270-8136.

Submariners Assist South Florida Church

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles White, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Annapolis (SSN 760) Sailors volunteered to work on two major projects for First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, April 26.

The eight Sailors assisted church staff members with painting a two-story church building and clearing a large parking lot of crumbling concrete parking blocks, the materials of which were then donated to a local Habitat for Humanity project where they will be recycled.

Church Administrator David Kramer noted the difficulty in organizing a large working party of strong people to handle the two projects from within the church body and was appreciative of the Sailors' helpfulness. Adding to that appreciation was his surprise to learn of a very typical Navy skill set.

"It was wonderful to learn that all of the Sailors know how to paint," he said. "If you don't know how to paint, it can get messy."

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jacob Lalonde of Corpus Christi, Texas, had never before been to Florida but still chose to spend his first day ashore volunteering. He said it was the best way to "experience Florida and touch base with the people who live here, to show them that we actually care."

In addition to volunteering his time at First Presbyterian, Lalonde decided to spend his next two liberty days speaking to patients at a children's hospital and feeding the homeless.

After a few hours of work, Navy volunteers were surprised with a lunch prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Hyotte, judge of Fleet Week Port Everglades' Galley Wars, which is scheduled for April 28. The meal included gourmet submarine sandwiches and muffins.

With more than just a meal though, the charitable dealings of the Navy toward First Presbyterian of Fort Lauderdale have reciprocated through the church's craft ministry, which makes and sends sand scarves to service members in Iraq and Afghanistan, and blankets to wounded warriors in Landstuhl, Germany.

David Kramer said the impact of the Sailors' hard work for the church will be equal to the church's impact on the military.

"These are two very important jobs that will be noticed immediately and appreciated literally by thousands and thousands of people," he said.

As part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, community service events by each of the sea services will be held throughout the week, in South Florida.

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for the week-long celebration of the sea services that honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition, and also provides the sea services an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of surface platforms, equipment and the skills of the men and women serving aboard these vessels.

For more information on Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011, visit the Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs Center's Navy NewsStand page at https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/nrse/.

Media outlets interested in covering Fleet Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Blyth at 202-270-8136.

U.S. Navy, U.S.C.G. Ships Arrive in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Eric Garst, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 2,500 U.S. Navy Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen arrived in Port Everglades, Fla., to participate in the U.S. Navy's largest community outreach program in South Florida, April 25.

Service members from visiting ships USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Normandy (CG 60) and USS Annapolis (SSN 760), joined by elements from Navy Assault Craft Unit Four, USCGC Gannet (WPB 87334) and USCGC Diamondback (WPB 87370), as well as Marines from 2nd Marine Division, are scheduled to take part in a variety of community service projects and recreational activities during Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011.

Broward County Navy Days Chairperson Mary Anne Gray said the ensuing ship tours, community outreach efforts from Sailors, and an extension of South Florida hospitality to members of the sea services has continued for more than two decades.

"Sailors coming in give us the opportunity to show how much we appreciate everything they do and all the sacrifices they have made," she said. "This is also an opportunity for them [Sailors] to get out and show how much they appreciate what we do for them."

Fleet Week Port Everglades has historically interjected thousands of dollars into the local economy.

"Broward County benefits when Sailors go out into the community, visit restaurants, stay in hotels and go shopping," Gray said.

Gray said Broward County residents have been anticipating tours of the six U.S. vessels.

"We have more than 7,000 people that are going to come down to tour the ships, and a lot of them are school children, young kids from JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Candidate program), Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts," she said. "This gives them the opportunity to see the Sailors and a new career they may not have thought about in the past."

More than 2,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are in South Florida for Fleet Week Port Everglades 2011. The week-long celebration of the sea services honors the men and women of the military through public events and recognition, and also provides the sea services an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of surface platforms, equipment and the skills of the men and women serving aboard these vessels.