Rhode Island Gold to change command

Clarke to relieve Muir as crews next skipper

By Periscope Staff

Cmdr. Peter Clarke will relieve Cmdr. Robert "Scott" Muir as commanding officer of USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740)(G) during a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Aug. 2 at the World War II Submarine Veterans Pavilion.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Capt. Albert Hochevar, commander of Submarine Squadron 20.

Cmdr. Clarke reports to Kings Bay after a successful tour in Belgium. Born in Panama City, Panama, Clarke moved to and grew up in Richmond, Va. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1985 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. In 1992, he earned a masters in business administration from Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Following completion of nuclear power training and submarine school, Clarke reported onboard USS Indianapolis (SSN 697), where he served as main propulsion assistant and damage control assistant from April 1987 to March 1990. He then served as assistant intelligence and special projects officer on the staff of Submarine Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet until April 1992.

From September 1992 to December 1995, Cmdr. Clarke served as engineer officer onboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (G). He then reported to Submarine Squadron 20, where he served as materials officer until February 1998.

Cmdr. Clarke served as executive officer on USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) from May 1998 to January 2000. Following this tour, he served as submarine action officer on the staff of Supreme Allied Commander Europe in Casteau, Belgium until December 2001. During this period, he attended the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va.

Cmdr. Clarke’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Cmdr. Clarke and his wife, Nancy, live in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Cmdr. Muir is a native of Atlanta, Ga., and entered the Navy through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program in 1981 while attending Georgia Institute of Technology.

After completion of Naval Officer Candidate School and nuclear propulsion training, he was assigned to the ballistic missile submarine USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN 624)(B) in Charleston, S.C., where he served as chemistry and radiological controls assistant, main propulsion assistant, and damage control assistant during five strategic deterrent patrols.

From 1987 to 1989, Muir served as an NROTC Instructor at Georgia Tech. In 1990, following completion of the submarine officer advanced course, he reported for duty as engineer officer onboard USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640)(B) and completed four strategic deterrent patrols.

In 1992, he was assigned to the staff of Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, Va., as the assistant submarine force nuclear power officer.

In June 1995, Cmdr. Muir was assigned as executive officer of USS Flying Fish (SSN 673). Upon decommissioning of Flying Fish in Bremerton, Wash., he transferred to USS Norfolk (SSN 714) as executive officer.

From March 1997 to March 1999, he served on the NATO staff of Commander in Chief Western Atlantic Area as the submarine operations and plans/policy officer.

Cmdr. Muir assumed command of Rhode Island Gold in January 2000.

Cmdr. Muir and Rhode Island Gold’s crew completed four strategic deterrent patrols, including one port visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia. His commitment to excellence allowed Rhode Island Gold to complete an extended dry dock period on time, earn exceptional grades on various inspections and receive numerous ship awards.

Cmdr. Muir and his wife, Sheila, also reside in Fernandina Beach. They have two daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay, and two sons, Benjamin and Ryan. After more than 20 years of service, Cmdr. Muir and Sheila will retire from the Navy and continue to reside in Fernandina Beach.