Summer 2004

Class of '85 Alumnus Takes Command of TRIDENT Submarine

Cmdr. Paul Skarpness assumed the duties as the Commanding Officer, USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737) (BLUE) when he relieved Cmdr. Ronald W. Melampy on March 19, 2004. He is a 1985 electrical engineering/computer science alumnus of Rose-Hulman.

Skarpness entered the Navy through the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned in September 1985. His continued education includes a master’s degree in engineering management from George Washington University in 1992.

Skarpness is the sixth Blue Crew Commanding Officer of the USS KENTUCKY (SSBN 737). The 12th TRIDENT Submarine, the USS KENTUCKY has state-of-the-art sound quieting design and lethal MK-48 torpedoes, making her the most powerful and survivable ballistic missile submarine in the world.

Commander Skarpness is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (Two Awards), The Navy Commendation Medal (Five Awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (Two Awards), and various unit awards. He is married to the former Eri Matsushita of Tokyo, Japan. They have one daughter, Noelani and reside in Silverdale, Wash.

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