USA: Submarine Tucson Changes Command

The commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) passed forward his duties April 10, in a time-honored change of command ceremony at the submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Cmdr. Michael Beckette relieved Cmdr. James “Ted” O’Harrah.

O’Harrah said he is proud of having had the opportunity to be in command of Tucson and working with a fantastic team of Sailors.

“Leading you all has been the most rewarding and humbling honor of my career,” said O’Harrah of his crew. “You are all heroes in my book. You are the best there is. You kept us at sea for missions of unprecedented length and I cannot thank you enough. I want you to know that what you do everyday matters and has been of tremendous value to aiding in our national security. Thank you for what you do.”

During his 37 months in command, O’Harrah took his submarine and crew on two Western Pacific tours, one Eastern Pacific tour, and numerous shorter underway periods, totaling nearly 600 days at sea, and steaming more than 150,000 miles.

The ceremony’s guest speaker, retired Navy captain Kevin Peppe, praised O’Harrah for a job well done.

“I know you had a great deal of trust and confidence in my shipmate,” said Peppe to the families and supporters on the pier. “On behalf of all of you sitting here and on behalf of the crew I am just going to say for you, thank you Ted.”

During the ceremony, O’Harrah was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his command of Tucson from January 2011 to April 2014.

As Beckette assumed command of Tucson, he thanked O’Harrah for turning over a great ship, and an even greater crew.

“I could not be more honored to lead such a fine crew of submarine warriors whose professionalism and expertise have truly honored the legacy of our World War II Pacific submarine crews,” said Beckette. “I am humbled to take over as your commanding officer and continue Tucson’s history of excellence.”

Tucson is the second ship of the U.S. Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built. Twelve vertical-launch missile tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles provide Tucson with great offensive capability. Retractable bow planes give the ship increased maneuverability and under ice surfacing potential.

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Press Release, April 14, 2014; Image: Wikimedia