Secretary Wyman and USS Olympia officers, with one of them holding a portrait of the Olympia. (Photo courtesy of Patrick McDonald)

Secretary of State Kim Wyman welcomed USS Olympia officers to their namesake city Thursday, thanking them for their service and for taking good care of the Pearl Harbor-based fast attack submarine.

Commander Tom Shugart, Master Chief Roland Midgett and Assistant Engineer Zachary Copes were visiting Olympia for its annual Lakefair, a tradition that started in 1983 under the Olympia’s first commander, Bill Hughes. Former Secretary Sam Reed also attended a reception for them in the Secretary’s office.

Said Wyman:

“As an advocate for all of our armed services, it is a privilege to welcome the USS Olympia crew members to their namesake city and to let them know how proud we are of their continuing service to America.  They also commented on the strong Navy presence in Washington state.”