Submarine Nevada skipper in command of both crews

Charles Porchia

Monday, Nov. 13, 2000 | 10:09 a.m.

Cmdr. Walter Luthiger of Las Vegas recently assumed command of both crews of the submarine USS Nevada.

The 40-year-old Luthiger will now lead both "gold" and "blue" crews of the nuclear ballistic submarine, which is headed to the shipyards for extensive refitting.

The Nevada, like all nuclear subs, has two independent crews, known as "blue" and "gold," each with its own captain. One is ashore training and resting while the other is at sea on patrols that can last 70 days or longer.

Luthiger, commander of the blue crew for a year, took command of the gold crew as well after Capt. Murray Snyder completed his tour of duty.

Luthiger received a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982 and was commissioned through the Navy ROTC program. In 1989 Luthiger served as weapons officer aboard the submarine USS Chicago, and later as executive officer aboard the submarine USS Michigan.

"We've got the best people in the world. They can fix anything," Luthiger said after his installation.

The submarine is the fourth U.S. warship to bear the name Nevada.