'Big Al' retires after 30-year Navy career

Groton— Command Master Chief Alexander J. Atkinson, a fixture at the Naval Submarine Base, retired today after a 30-year career.

Known as “Big Al,” Atkinson spent more than half his career at the base, including tours as the command master chief for the base and the chief of the boat on the USS Memphis (SSN 691). He most recently served as the command master chief for the Naval Submarine Support Center.

“Al you have done your job. You have done it better than anyone I know,” said Capt. William R. Merz, the guest speaker who was the commanding officer on the Memphis while Atkinson was there. “You have earned your retirement and should feel proud of the positive and enduring impact you have made. I speak for everyone who has served with you when I say I am proud to have been your shipmate but even prouder to be your friend. As you retire, a part of us retires as well.”

The speakers sat on a platform aboard the USS Providence while the many guests sat underneath tents on the pier. Cmdr. Raymond Gabriel, commanding officer of the Providence (SSN 719), said the bottom line is that Atkinson “is the Navy.”

“He is what the Navy was, is and will be,” Gabriel said. “He has touched the lives of so many people, sailors and civilians alike. Just look around and you can see his reach.”

Even Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West, the senior enlisted person in the Navy, attended. He read a letter that he wrote to Atkinson, congratulating him on a successful 30 years and expressing the Navy’s appreciation for this service.

Atkinson has also received congratulatory letters from President Barack Obama and former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as the governors of Connecticut and of his home state of Pennsylvania. He was awarded the meritorious service medal.

Atkinson thanked the many people who helped him get to this point in his career, especially his family. Atkinson and his wife, Kate, were also celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today.

“I can’t put into words how happy, proud and fortunate I am,” he said.

He asked the audience to keep in mind the soldiers, sailors and Marines currently guarding the nation’s shores.

“May they all come home safely,” he said. “Big Al is out.”

j.mcdermott@theday.com">j.mcdermott@theday.com