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,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

View Full Story