In the summer of 1981, sea trials were held to test the equipment and systems, and the submarine was delivered to the U.S. Navy on 28 October 1981. On 11 November 1981, "Ohio" was commissioned. The principal speaker, Vice President George H. W. Bush, remarked to the 8000 assembled guests that the boat introduced a "new dimension in our nation's strategic deterrence," and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover noted that "Ohio" should "strike fear in the hearts of our enemies." On that day, command of the two crews (designated Blue and Gold) of "Ohio" was assumed by Captain A. K. Thompson (Blue) and Captain A. F. Campbell (Gold).