Richland grad assumes command of U.S. attack submarine
Cmdr. Don Coomes addresses his crew after assuming command of Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) in a change of command ceremony held aboard Alexandria, June 2. Commissioned June 29, 1991, Alexandria is the 46th Los Angeles-class submarine and is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiarra BrowA Richland High School graduate is the latest commander of one of four U.S. Navy attack submarines stationed in San Diego.
Cmdr. Don Coomes assumed command of the USS Alexandria (SSN 757) in early June, relieving Cmdr. Chris Rose shortly after the vessel completed a seven-month deployment at sea, according to a release.
“I couldn’t be more proud to join the ranks of Alexandria and lead this amazing crew,” Coomes said during his change of command ceremony. “Together, we will face and overcome challenges, seize opportunities and continue to accomplish our mission and assigned tasks with excellence.”
The Richland native comes to his new post after completing a joint tour at the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway, followed by a Deputy Commodore tour at Submarine Squadron TWO ONE in Manama, Bahrain.
Coomes previously served on USS Alabama (SSBN 731) (Gold), USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (Blue), and fellow Los Angles-class submarines USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) and USS Cheyenne (SSN 773).
He played soccer at Richland High, which he graduated from in 2002. He also earned an associate degree from Columbia Basin College in Pasco that same year, according to his Linkedin profile.
Coomes went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from Oregon State University before being commissioned as a naval officer.
He has since earned two master’s degrees and is fluent in Spanish and French.
