Buchanan takes command of USS Albany

Cmdr. Thomas R. Buchanan, Jr., relieved Cmdr. Thad E. Nisbett as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753) during a change of command ceremony Thursday at Naval Station Norfolk.

Buchanan's most recent assignment was as a Special Assistant to NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, and Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

"As you can imagine, this day means a tremendous amount for my family and me," said Buchanan, who became the ninth commanding officer of Albany. "It just so happens that I have the good fortune to command a ship that was launched on my birthday in 1987. I humbly stand before you to tell you that I am absolutely ready to assume command of this awesome warship, and will do everything to ensure that Albany continues to make history."

Capt. Christopher Thomas, Commander, Submarine Squadron Six, presented Nisbett with a Meritorious Service medal during the ceremony. The medal cited Nisbett for "his superior tactical prowess, unrivaled initiative, and steadfast perseverance while leading Albany on a deployment to the European and Central Command Areas of Responsibility in support of Overseas Contingency Operations, and on four highly successful missions spanning three theaters of operation and focusing heavy on national anti-submarine warfare objectives."

"It has been a tremendous privilege to command such a fine Los Angeles class attack submarine," said Nisbett, who took command of Albany, June 14, 2007. 

Nisbett will next report to the Defense Liaison Division.

The Albany is the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of New York's capital city.

Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, the Albany was commissioned April 7, 1990 as the 43rd nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine. The 360-foot ship was the last one to slide down the incline of greased wooden shipways at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Albany's crew compliment includes 13 officers and 121 enlisted sailors.