Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet

USS Santa Fe Holds Change of Command
By MC2 Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 01/15/2010

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – A change of command ceremony was held for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Friday, Jan. 15.

Cmdr. David Adams relieved Cmdr. Vernon Parks, Jr. as commanding officer of Santa Fe.

Guest speaker, Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk praised Parks and his crew on their accomplishments on board Santa Fe.

“Planning and executing every single evolution flawlessly and on time are the ingredients for success,” said Van Buskirk. “Cmdr. Parks, it is always an honor to be able to point to the mark of success through superb ship performance.When a ship succeeds like Santa Fe, the crew succeeds as well.”

Following his remarks, Parks was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of the second award) for his exceptional performance as Commanding Officer from January 2007 to January 2010.

Parks reflected on his time spent in command and the accomplishments of the crew.

“You are the best crew a captain could ever have,” he said. “You have met all the tasks and challenges we have encountered with tenacity. You have put all your effort into the team, not the individual. Your pride and professionalism is the foundation of our mission.”

As Cmdr. Adams assumed command of Santa Fe, he acknowledged the quality of the crew he was inheriting.

“It is an honor to be a part of this great ship and crew,” he said. “We will do our mission to deter the enemy to the fullest. While the Santa Fe will always be our Lucky Lady, I look forward to making our luck together.”

Parks earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the Pennsylvania State University in 1989, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

His sea tours include USS Baton Rouge (SSN 689), USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) and USS Helena (SSN 725). His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit awards.