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Sunday, 31 January 2010

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NSL PACNW Chapter November18th Meeting Notice

Hello Everyone,

 

Our next meeting is coming up!  Our guest speaker will be CAPT David Solms, Commanding Officer of the Trident Training Facility.  I've attached his bio and photo for you.  This will be a TTF-centered day--we've also invited some active duty members of David's staff as our "guest boat" this month.  We have a new treat this month:  David has generously offered us a tour of his command.  We'll start the tour at 1330, which should give everyone time to get over to TTF.  If you haven't been over there recently, take advantage of the tour!   There have been several upgrades since I was a "customer" there.

 

This will be our first meeting this year as we get into the quarterly meeting "groove", so please make extra effort to attend.  In fact, bring a guest!  I'll get base access if necessary (my Navy League friends have that down to a science).   Mark your calendars now!  Looking forward to seeing all of you.

 

WHO:  The Naval Submarine League is a professional organization for submariners and submarine advocates.  All submariners (including current active duty), submarine advocates, and their guests are welcome.

 

WHY:  The primary mission of the Naval Submarine League is to PROMOTE AWARENESS of the importance of submarines to U.S. national security, yet remain an INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY on submarine matters so that its CREDIBILITY is unquestioned and its message retains its effectiveness.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, February 17th, 2010.  Meet and greet starting at 11:30, Chef's Choice Buffet lunch at noon.

 

WHERE: Bangor Plaza, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

 

COST: $15 at the door.  Thanks again to those of you who contribute a bit extra each month.  Even a couple of extra dollars helps support our active duty outreach program.

 

RESERVATIONS: RSVP with Melissa Smith at (360) 394-8854 or e-mail her at MELISSA.C.SMITH@saic.com by COB Friday, February 12th.  Please let her know if you'd like to participate in the tour.  If you think you'll have a guest that doesn't have base access, please contact me by Thursday, February 11th.

 

Thanks,

Bob

 

Bob Aronson
CAPT, USN (Ret.)
President, Pacific Northwest Chapter
Naval Submarine League

CAPTAIN DAVID A. SOLMS

UNITED STATES NAVY

 

          Captain Solms is a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He graduated from the University of Colorado in May 1985, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC program.

 

          After completing nuclear power and basic submarine training in October 1986, Captain Solms reported to Pre-commissioning Unit HELENA (SSN 725) undergoing construction at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.  During this tour, he served in a variety of division officer assignments, completed a homeport shift and a Northern Pacific deployment and earned his submarine gold dolphins.

 

          In July 1989, he was assigned to Marquette University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.

 

          Following submarine officer advanced training, Captain Solms reported in June 1992 as Engineer Officer of the USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736)(Gold) in Kings Bay, Georgia.  From November 1994 to November 1996, he served as the Submarine Liaison Officer for COMCRUDESGRU ONE in San Diego, California.  In December 1996, Captain Solms was assigned to the COMSUBPAC Representative at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.  He then served as Executive Officer aboard USS OHIO (SSBN 726)(Blue), based in Bangor, Washington from May 1998 to August 2000.

 

          After completing Prospective Commanding Officer training in March 2001, Captain Solms reported to Submarine Squadron SEVENTEEN for assignment as Deputy Commander for Engineering Readiness.  In February 2002, he relieved as the Commanding Officer, USS ALASKA (SSBN 732)(Gold).  Under his command, the ship was certified as the first Trident II D5 Backfit strategic platform, completed three deterrent patrols, and was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” for 2004 from COMSUBRON 19. 

 

Captain Solms assumed command of USS HAWAII (SSN 776) in May 2005. During his tour, the ship was Christened, delivered to the Navy, Commissioned, and completed significant test, evaluation and certification events.  In August 2007, Captain Solms reported to the Commander Submarine Forces in Norfolk, where he served as the Director of Strategic Operations until August 2009.  He is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer, Trident Training Facility, Bangor.

 

          Captain Solms has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various campaign and unit awards.

 

          He is married to the former Beth Elaine Barkley of Boulder, Colorado.  They live with their children, Christopher, Kaitlyn and Evan in Poulsbo, WA.