New Commander for Cheyenne’s Namesake Submarine
Cheyenne's namesake submarine, the USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), has a new commander following a change of command ceremony in Kittery, Maine last Friday, March 24.
Cmdr. Kyle Calton relieved Cmdr. Samuel Bell, who had led the Cheyenne crew since January 2021.
"It has been the honor of a lifetime ‘Riding the Legend’ as the commanding officer of USS Cheyenne,” said Bell.
"The incredible submariners on this crew have inspired me every day with their professionalism and steadfast commitment to excellence," Bell added.
During Bell’s tenure, the crew of Cheyenne earned the coveted Battle "E" Award for SUBRON 2 for 2022, as well as departmental awards for navigation and supply.
“I know Cheyenne will continue to thrive under the guidance of Squadron 2 and the leadership of Cmdr. Calton and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the coming years,” said Bell.
“Cmdr. Bell has led the crew of Cheyenne through a period of tremendous change and has perfectly lined this team up to return to the fight better than ever,” said Calton.
“I’m humbled to have this opportunity to follow in his footsteps and work with these amazing and dedicated submariners as we complete that journey and get back to the tip of the spear," Calton added.
USS Cheyenne was commissioned in 1996 as the last of the Los Angeles-class submarines before the launch of the newer Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.
It's the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for Cheyenne, but the first to carry the name at its launch, as the previous two -- a tugboat decommissioned in 1898 and an Arkansas-class monitor decommissioned in 1926 -- were renamed USS Cheyenne after their respective launches.
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