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Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt, right, salutes Commander of Submarine Squadron 17 Capt. Mark Behning as he takes command of USS Alabama's Blue crew. (Contributed photo/U.S. Navy Ensign Davis Anderson.)
Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt probably has a special place in his heart for Alabama. After all, his wife is an Alabama native and his father-in-law is one of two Senators who represent the state.
That makes it all the more special that Reinhardt was recently named the new commander of the Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic submarine, the USS Alabama.
Reinhardt, who assumed command Dec. 18 at ceremonies held in Keyport, Washington, is married to Mary Abigail, the daughter of Sen. Jeff Sessions and his wife Mary.
Cmdr. Reinhardt assumes command from Cmdr. Brad Terry. Following with tradition, Terry turned over the command with the reading of orders and a "Go Bama! Roll Tide!"
"I know I have some big shoes to fill. We will continue to improve upon what you and the crew have already established," Reinhardt told the attendees at the ceremony. "I am truly humbled and honored to be your commanding officer. It is an awesome responsibility to be in command - especially on the finest submarine in the fleet - and one I do not take lightly."
Reinhardt is a native of Virginia, and a 1997 University of Virginia graduate, most recently served as the deputy chief of the Joint Staff's Information Management Division.
The Alabama is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington. And like the state, it claims as its motto "We dare to defend our rights."
Another "Roll Tide"
To celebrate the change of command, Judy Bonner, president of the University of Alabama, donated Crimson Tide t-shirts to 350 members of the submarine crew. UA Athletics Director Bill Battle also donated a flag that was flown over Bryant Denny-Stadium and signed by head football coach Nick Saban.
"It was an honor to send the shirts to the crew of the USS Alabama and have The University of Alabama have a presence in the change of command ceremony," Bonner said. "Our faculty, staff and student body appreciate the efforts of the members of our armed forces."
The USS Alabama SSBN 731 is the seventh military ship to be named for the state of Alabama and is the same ship featured in the 1995 movie "Crimson Tide." In the movie, the ship's crew famously chant "Go 'Bama, Roll Tide!" before boarding the ship.
Reinhardt said the shirts will be worn with pride.
"Both Alabama Blue and Gold crews sincerely appreciate The University of Alabama's generosity and the continued support of our sailors, the Navy, and all of our men and women in uniform," Reinhardt said. "The t-shirts will be worn with pride. Roll Tide!"
You can check out the crew of the Alabama giving the Crimson Tide a "Roll Tide" here.