BISMARCK NEWS

The USS Bismarck, NCC-1797-D, celebrated the completion of its first 15-year mission on March 10, 2007. VADM Anthony Day also stepped down after serving 10 years as Commanding Officer. In honor of both occasions, the Bismarck was upgraded from Galaxy-class to Sovereign-class. The final mission of the Bismarck-D was an all-day event beginning with lunch at CiCi’s Pizza in Cincinnati, Ohio. A two-hour riverboat cruise followed, complete with Bingo and a trivia contest. The festivities concluded at Chantrell’s Restaurant in Springboro, Ohio, for a formal dinner and a change-of-command ceremony.

Following dinner, the Bismarck’s Communications department presented a 15-year video retrospective which highlighted the parties, weddings, and funerals the Bismarck has had since its commissioning. The keynote speaker, LTCDR Eric Dearth, challenged each person to live the ideals of Star Trek each and every minute. Thirty-nine awards were handed out for merit, fund-raising, and attendance. In his last acts as Commanding Officer, VADM Day retired the Bismarck-D’s bell, gavel, and flag.

ADM Roy Jackson, Acting Fleet Commander, then officiated the Bismarck’s change-of-command ceremony. VADM Day was re-assigned to Starfleet Headquarters as Chief of Command Staff. CAPT Kevin Johnson assumed command and launched the new Sovereign-class USS Bismarck, NCC-1797-E, with a new bell and gavel. ADM Jackson presented CAPT Johnson his new duty orders. ADM Jackson also issued new duty orders to VADM Day, RADM Lisa Johnson, FCAPT Richard Pinsky, and LT Paul Sylvester, all of whom have Fleet-level duties.

CAPT Johnson issued new duty orders to his new Senior Staff officers. Promotions were also issued to several new ensigns and junior-grade lieutenant. VADM Day was awarded the title and position of Captain Emeritus by his former crew, receiving an engraved plaque now holding the gavel from Bismarck-D. In honor of an ancient US Navy tradition, “hull planks” from the Bismarck-D were issued to the 6 original members who were still serving aboard the Bismarck-D at the time of its decommissioning.

The Bismarck thanks Admirals Roy Jackson, Mark Bishoff, Lillian Sams, and their families for traveling several hours from Indiana to celebrate this historical occasion with the Bismarck. The Bismarck-E looks forward to another 15 year mission: “to boldly go where no one has gone before… or ever wanted to”