image description — A change in command ceremony is held on June 5 as Navy Cmdr. Todd Williamson takes command of SSP's Program Management Office, Shipboard Systems in Pittsfield.

Strategic Systems Programs Sees Command Change in Pittsfield

01:58PM / Monday, July 07, 2025Print Story | Email Story

Cmdr. Todd Williamson, right, is the new commanding officer at SPS. With him are former commander Capt. Kyle Kebold, left, and SPS Director Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Strategic Systems Programs saw a change in command last month with Navy Cmdr. Todd Williamson taking charge.

He relieved Capt. Kyle Kobold, commanding officer for SSP's Program Management Office, Shipboard Systems. The office is located at General Dynamics.

The change in command ceremony on June 5 was presided over by Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe Jr., director of SSP.

Wolfe delivered remarks, including a list of accomplishments SSP achieved under the guidance of Kobold, who received a Meritorious Service Award. Williamson assumes command of the PMO having recently served as the SSP technical director.

SSP is responsible for initiating, developing, and coordinating Strategic Weapon System, Guided Missile Submarine (Nuclear-Powered) Attack Weapon System, and Nuclear Weapon Security program planning, program evaluation, budget data, requirements analysis, and other technical, engineering, and program services in support of and as directed by the director for SSP.

SSP is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the sea-based leg of the nation's nuclear triad. The command is responsible for sustaining the strategic weapon system (SWS) on the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and supporting the integration of the D5LE weapon system on the new Columbia-class SSBNs.

Tags: General Dynamics, navy,

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Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:57AM / Friday, October 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments.

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work.

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks.

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed.

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.