USS Tennessee Blue changing commands. Image courtesy of U.S. Navy

KINGS BAY, GA. — The Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Blue) held a change of command at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay chapel, July 14.

Cmdr. Chas McLenithan was relieved by Cmdr. Paul Seitz as commanding officer of Tennessee (Blue). McLenithan, a native of Sanger, California said, “Although we had some unique events during my time in command, this team on Tennessee Blue always did their job right, with a keen focus on keeping their priorities correct in carrying out our nation’s most vital mission of strategic deterrence,” said McLenithan. “I am privileged to speak for the last time as a proud member of this crew.”

McLenithan spoke of his crew’s unparalleled camaraderie and strong bond. “The most noteworthy point is not only what we accomplished, but how we accomplished it, with the strongest camaraderie and command climate I have ever witnessed in my career,” McLenithan said.

“Anyone who steps onboard notices this first, and it is something I will cherish most as I look back on my time with this outstanding team. That team includes both crews of Tennessee.”

Capt. T.R. Buchanan, Commodore, Submarine Squadron 20, served as the guest speaker for the event. “Tennessee has set the bar high – conducting the longest continuous underway from homeport during a patrol in 2016; making the difficult look easy; making the second port visit in over a decade for an Atlantic Fleet SSBN,” said Buchanan.

“Chas’ focus on the basics led to a great deal of patrol success. He kept his ship and his team safe – always -- and clearly set the standard for a big focus area of ours — contact management – Chas’ team did it right all the time!”

Seitz, a Broomfield, Colorado native, was last stationed at U.S. Strategic Command. His most recent operational assignment was as executive officer aboard USS Houston (SSN 763) where he completed a Western Pacific deployment.

During his remarks, Seitz expressed some of his priorities for his crew. “The most important thing we can do to ensure our national defense for the long term is to build each other up, challenge ourselves and those around us to excellence, and ensure that the families who provide support to the Sailors are themselves strongly supported by a community of like-minded co-laborers,” Seitz said. “That is the calling that my family and I embrace, and we are proud to join with the Tennessee family in the execution of this critical mission.”

For his next tour, McLenithan will report to Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic as the senior member of the Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team.

Tennessee is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the State of Tennessee and the ninth of 18 Ohio-class submarines. USS Tennessee was commissioned Dec. 18, 1988.

A native of Broomfield, Colorado, CDR Paul A. Seitz graduated from The Master’s University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. He also holds a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Colorado State University.

His initial sea assignment was on the USS Michigan (Blue) SSBN 727, where he served as Reactor Controls Assistant, Electrical Assistant, Main Propulsion Assistant, and Damage Control Assistant. While onboard Michigan, he completed 5 strategic deterrent patrols. His next sea assignment was onboard the USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), where he served as the Weapons Officer, and completed an arctic transit, depot modernization period, and a Western Pacific deployment. He then served onboard USS Houston (SSN 713) as the Executive Officer, completing a Western Pacific deployment. He is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer of the USS Tennessee (Blue).

Ashore, he has served as an instructor in sonar and tactics at Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT; as an inspector of the Tactical Readiness Team on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force U. S. Pacific Fleet; and as Chief, SLBM Emergency Action Procedures on the staff of Commander, U. S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Award, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards). Teams he has worked with been awarded the Battle Efficiency award (2 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy Unit Citation, along with various unit awards. He and his wife Courtney have five children, Jacob, Katie, Isaac, Grace, and Lilyanna.