USS Birmingham Captains List:

Commander Paul L. Callahan was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on july 29, 1940. He entered the United States naval Academy in 1958 following graduation from high school in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation with the Class of 1962.

Commander Callahan entered nuclear power training and attended Nuclear Power School in Mare Island, California and the SIW Prototype in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He then reported to Submarine School, graduating in April 1964. In may 1964, Commander Callahan joined the precommissioning crew of the USS HADDO (SSN604) and served as SonorOfficer, Communicator, Electronics Material Officer, Supply Officer, Main Propulsion Assistant and Electrical Officer over the next Three years. He qualified in submarines aboard HADDO in 1965. In May 1967, Commander Callahan joined the the precommissioning crew of the USS GRAYLING (SSN646) as Engineer Officer. He was detached from GRAYLING in 1970 and reported to the Staff of Commander in Chief, US Atlantic Fleet for duty with the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. In September 1972, Commander Callahan joined USS FLASHER (SSN 613), serving as Operations Officer and Navigator. He then joined USS SARGO (SSN 583) as Executive Officer in April 1974. He was detached from SARGO in February 1976. Commander Callahan next reported as instructor at the Chief of Naval Operation's Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He detached from this duty in March 1977. After duty at the Division of Naval Reactors in Washington, D.C. and with the Commander Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet, Commander Callahan reported as Prospective Commanding Officer, BRIMINGHAM (SSN 695) in September 1977.

Commander Callahan is married to the former Ann Traver Putney of Wilmington, Delaware. The Callahans have a daughter Megan and son Michael.

Vice Admiral Dennis A. Jones, United States Navy, is deputy commander in chief, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The command has responsibility for all U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy strategic nuclear forces supporting the national security objective of strategic deterrence.

Admiral Jones, a native of Fairbury, Nebraska, attended Fairbury Junior College and University of Nebraska before entering the United States Naval Academy. Following commissioning he attended Nuclear Power School in Mare Island, California, and nuclear prototype training in Idaho. After completion of submarine school in Groton, Connecticut, he reported to the precommissioning crew of USS HAMMERHEAD (SSN 663). In 1970, Admiral Jones reported to USS HENRY L. STIMSON (SSBN 655) as Engineer Officer.

In 1974 he reported to the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, where he served as a member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. He served as Executive Officer of USS SPADEFISH (SSN 668) from 1976 to 1979. Admiral Jones reported to the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington D.C., where he served as the first Nuclear Officer Programs Manager.

From 1981-1984, Admiral Jones served as Commanding Officer of the nuclear attack submarine USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695). During that period, the ships was twice awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and twice the Battle Efficiency "E" Award.

Admiral Jones assumed the duties of Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Naval Reactors, Department of Energy in Washington D.C. in April 1984. From June 1987 to March 1989, he served as Commander Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE in Groton, Connecticut.

Admiral Jones served as the Command and Control Division Chief (J3) on the Joint Staff from April 1989 to April 1990. He assumed the position of Director of Special Programs in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. From September 1992 to July 1993 he commanded Submarine Group EIGHT and Allied Submarines Mediterranean. In September 1994 he became Director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87). He assumed his present position in February 1996.

Admiral Jones attended Harvard University in the program for Senior Executives in National and International Security. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster; the Legion of Merit with three gold stars; two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal; the Navy Commendation medal; and three awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Admiral Jones is married to the former Eileen Betty Spensky of Weirton, West Virginia. He has five children, Kirkland, Derrick, Samantha, Ashley and Kellen.

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen announced today that he has approved Vice Adm. Dennis A. Jones, U.S. Navy, to be placed on the retired list in the grade of vice admiral effective Sept. 1, 1998. He is currently serving as deputy commander in chief, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Dennis A. Jones Vice President of Maritime Programs Admiral Jones (U.S. Navy - retired) is the Vice President for Maritime Programs with L-3 Communications. Prior to joining L-3, Admiral Jones served as Deputy Commander In Chief, United States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. This command has responsibility for all U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy strategic nuclear forces supporting the national security objective of strategic deterrence. Previously, he also served as Director of Special Programs in the office of the Secretary of Defense, and as Director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87), on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff. Admiral Jones is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and he attended Harvard University in the program for Senior Executives in National and International Security.

RADM Sullivan is presently assigned duties as Commander,
Submarine Group NINE, located in Silverdale, Washington.  As
COMSUBGRU NINE, his principle responsibility is support of
Pacific Fleet TRIDENT missile submarine crews and their execution
of the important strategic nuclear deterrent mission.
     
     A native of Wellesley, Massachusetts, RADM Sullivan
graduated with distinction from the Unites States Naval Academy
in 1970.  After attending basic submarine training and serving a
short submarine tour, he commenced his graduate studies as a
Burke Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.  He graduated in 1975
with the degrees of Ocean Engineer and Master of Science in Ocean
Engineering.  He then entered nuclear power training at Nuclear
Power School, Mare Island, California and subsequent prototype
training at Idaho Falls, Idaho.

     Assignments at sea have included the fleet diesel submarine,
USS CAIMAN (SS 323), where he served as Supply Officer; various
engineering division officer billets aboard USS DACE (SSN 607);
Engineer Officer in USS GEORGE C. MARSHALL (SSBN 654); and
Executive Officer in USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687).  His
command tours were USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695), homeported in Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, and USS FLORIDA (SSBN 728)(BLUE), homeported in
Bangor, Washington.  

     While in command of USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695), RADM Sullivan
was nominated as a Pacific Fleet finalist for the Admiral
Stockdale Leadership Award.  When he was Commanding Officer, USS
FLORIDA (BLUE), his crew earned the FY 91 CINCPACFLT Marjorie
Sterret Battleship Fund Award for superior combat readiness in
the Pacific Fleet.  Other awards won by his crew were Best
Pacific TRIDENT Crew Award, Silver Anchor Award for retention
excellence, Tactical Readiness Examination Top Performer; and the
Squadron Battle Efficiency, Engineering, and Tactical Awards.

     Shore assignments have included COMSUBDEVRON TWELVE as a
member of the Tactical Analysis Group; COMSUBRON SEVENTEEN Deputy
Commander for Training and Operations; and his most recent tour
on the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., where he served as the
Deputy Director for Current Operations in the Operations
Directorate.  He also attended the National War College in
Washington, D.C, where he earned the degree of Master of Science
in National Security Strategy.  

     His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service
Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards),
Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy Achievement
Medal (three awards).

     RADM Sullivan and his wife, Anne, reside in Keyport,
Washington.  Their son, Shane (Ensign, USN), is currently
attending flight training.  Their daughter, Meghan, is a recent
graduate of the University of Washington.

I was CO of the good ship BIRMINGHAM (SEP87-MAY90). I am now the Commander of Submarine Group Nine in Bangor, Washington (one of the three CO to date to become a Flag - I believe a possible record).

I see many former B'HAM sailors on the boats here in Bangor and out in Hawaii keeping the B'HAM spirit alive and well. My Weaps on B'HAM, CDR Hass Moyer, will assume command of the USS HENRY M JACKSON (SSBN 730G) this spring. I am more than happy to help you organization keep 695's fellowship alive.

By the way, CDR Mark Kenney just won the CINCPACFLT Admiral Stockdale adward for "inspirational leadership" as the best CO in the Fleet. Mark recently relived CAPT Jeff Cassius as COMSUBPAC PCO Instructor so Jeff could become the Commodore of SUBRON 11 in San Diego. The B'HAM might be deactivated, but her reputation of excellence lives on!

Captain Robert N. Nestlerode was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. He entered the U. S. Naval Academy in June 1969. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics in June 1973 and began nuclear power training. He attended Nuclear Power School at Mare Island, California and prototype training at Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In January 1975, Captain Nestlerode reported to USS PERMIT (SSN 594) where he served as Sonar Officer, Reactor Controls Assistant and Communications/Electronics Material Officer. During this tour the Ship completed a highly successful Western Pacific deployment.

In July 1978, following six months at the Submarine Officer's Advanced Course, Captain Nestlerode reported to USS ETHAN ALLEN (SSBN 608)(GOLD) as Engineer Officer. During his tour, USS ETHAN ALLEN (SSBN 608)(GOLD) completed three strategic deterrent patrols and underwent conversion to be an attack submarine.

In October 1981, Captain Nestlerode reported to the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific and served in the Operations Division. He returned to USS PERMIT (SSN 594) in July 1984 as Executive Officer. During this tour the ship completed another Western Pacific deployment. In July 1987, Captain Nestlerode reported to the staff of Commander, Submarine Group Eight in Naples, Italy, serving as Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Exercises.

In May 1990, following Prospective Commanding Officer training, Captain Nestlerode took command of USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695). During his tour BIRMINGHAM completed two highly successful deployments, one to the Western Pacific, and one to the Northern Pacific. BIRMINGHAM also earned the 1992 CINCPACFLT Golden Anchor Award for Excellence in Personnel programs.

In June 1992, Captain Nestlerode reported to the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific as Force Operations Officer. Captain Nestlerode then served as Chief Staff Officer and Deputy for Tactics, Tactical Development, and Doctrine on the staff of Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE. Captain Nestlerode currently is serving as Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton Connecticut.

Captain Nestlerode's decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Unit Citation ribbon (2 awards), the Battle Efficiency 'E' (two awards), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal(2 awards), Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 awards), and the Overseas Deployment Ribbon (two awards).

He and his wife, the former Christine Case of Montrose, Colorado, have three sons: Karl, Robert Jr., and Austin.

Rear Admiral Cassias graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in October 1974. Rear Adm. CassiasÕ sea tours included USS Haddock (SSN 621), USS Parche (SSN 683), USS Hawkbill (SSN 666), and USS Puffer (SSN 652). He also served as Anti-Submarine Officer on the staff of Commander, Carrier Group One. Rear Adm. Cassias served as Commanding Officer, USS Birmingham (SSN 695) from April 1992 to November 1994. During this tour, Birmingham completed an Arabian Gulf deployment with the Nimitz Battle Group and a surge deployment to the western Pacific. Birmingham was awarded the 1992 COMSUBPAC Golden Anchor Award and the 1993 Commander, Submarine Squadron Seven Battle Efficiency "E" award during Rear Adm. Cassias' tour. Ashore, Rear Adm. Cassias served three tours on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, first as Assistant Combat Systems Training Team Officer and later as a senior member of the Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team and Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor. Rear Adm. Cassias also served as Commander Submarine Squadron 11/Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Representative West Coast in San Diego, Calif., from 1997 to 1998. He subsequently served as the Executive Assistant to the Director, Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment, J-8, on the Joint Staff. His first Flag assignment was as Commander Logistics Group, Western Pacific/CTF 73 based in Singapore. Rear Adm. Cassias' previous assignment was as Commander Submarine Group Ten, Commander Submarine Group Two and Commander Navy Region Northeast. Rear Adm. Cassias is a distinguished graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, where he received a master's degree in National Resource Strategy in 1999. Rear Adm. Cassias' awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (six awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit awards. ADM Cassias has since retired.

CDR MARK KENNY....................10 NOV 94 - (Inactivation) MARCH 27, 1997

Commander Kenny, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1977. After initial nuclear power and submarine training, he was assigned to USS SEA DEVIL (SSN 664) and served as Assistant Weapons Officer, Communicator, and Damage Control Assistant from April 1979 to December 1981. While on board he completed two Meditereanan deployments and one North Atlantic operation.

He then served on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as Arctic Operations and Deep Submergence Officer from January 1982 to July 1984. After graduating from the Submarine Officer's Advanced Course with distinction, he was assigned as Navigator on USS MINNEAPOLIS-SAINT PAUL (SSN 708) from December 1984 to 1987. He completed two North Atlantic operations during this tour.

Commander Kenny then reported to Naval Submarine Training Center, Pacific and served as Tactics Director until March 1990. From August 1990 to December 1992, he served as Executive Officer on USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737)(GOLD) while the ship was being built in Groton, Connecticut and for the initial strategic patrol from Kings Bay, Georgia. Following that tour, Commander Kenny remained in Kings Bay as the Deputy for Readiness and Training on the Staff of Commander, Submarine Group 10 until March 1994.

Commander Kenny's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation medal (with six awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (with one Bronze Star), Navy "E" Ribbon (with two "E"s), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Artic Service Ribbon.

Commander Kenny is married to the former Cheryl Gillespie of Beltsville, Maryland. They have one daughter, Sarah Grace.

Rear Admiral Mark W. Kenny Commander, Center for Submarine Counter-terrorism Operations Rear Admiral Kenny, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. His initial sea tours included USS Sea Devil (SSN 664), USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (SSN 708), and as executive officer onboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737). His shore assignments included duty at Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Tactics Director at the Naval Submarine Training Center, Pacific; and as Deputy for Readiness and Training on the staff of Commander Submarine Group Ten. Rear Adm. Kenny served as Commanding Officer of USS Birmingham (SSN 695). During his tour the ship earned the Arleigh Burke Trophy nomination as the most improved submarine in the Pacific Fleet and earned the squadron Battle Efficiency "E". Birmingham conducted a deployment to the western Pacific as a member of the Nimitz Battle Group, earning two Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Seventh Fleet Award for Anti-Surface Warfare Excellence. While in command of Birmingham, Rear Adm. Kenny was presented the COMSUBPAC Naval Submarine League Warfighting Award, was the Pacific Fleet nominee for the Rear Admiral Jack Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and was selected for the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award. Rear Adm. Kenny then served on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet as the Prospective Commanding Officer Instructor and returned to sea as Commander of Submarine Squadron Seven in Pearl Harbor. During his tour, the squadron staff worked up and deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of the Constellation Battle Group. He then served on the Navy staff as the Branch Head (N771) for Submarine Acquisition, Maintenance, and SSBN/SSGN programs. Rear Adm. Kenny served as the Executive Assistant and as a Division Chief on the staff of the Director of Force Structure, Resources and Assessment for the Joint Chiefs (J-8). Upon his selection to Flag rank, Rear Adm. Kenny was assigned as the Deputy Director for Submarine Warfare (N77B) on the Navy Staff and Flag Officer for Task Force ASW. Rear Adm. Kenny assumed command of Commander, Submarine Group Two and Commander, Navy Region Northeast and Commander, Submarine Group Ten January 2005. He was relieved as Submarine Group Ten January 2006 and then was relieved as Commander, Submarine Group Two and Commander, Navy Region Northeast October 2006. Rear Adm. Kenny assumed duties as Commander, Center for Counter terrorism Operations January 2006. Rear Adm. Kenny completed the National Security and Strategic Studies Program from the Naval War College and has a Masters of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University and completed the MIT Seminar XXI program. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Fifth award), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Sixth award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

CDR J.R. Burke.......The Decommissioning Commanding Officer. USS BIRMINGHAM was decommissioned on 22 December 1997 at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

COMMANDING OFFICERS