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

Release Date: 03/25/2011

(JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii) – Cmdr. James O’Harrah relieved Cmdr. Gary Pinkerton as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) in a time honored change of command ceremony at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Friday, March 25. 

Guest speaker, The Honorable Robert E. Walkup, mayor, city of Tucson praised Pinkerton on his recent accomplishments on board Tucson and on his Naval career.

“I recognize the value of leadership and I am here on behalf of the citizens of the city of Tucson, today, to say thank you to Cmdr. Pinkerton,” said Wakkup.  “Thank you for all of the things you have done to ensure discipline and a commitment from your crew as you serve this country.”

Pinkerton acknowledged that the majority of the submarine’s success during his time as commanding officer could be attributed to the crew and their hard work efforts.

“This crew is definitely a shining example of men rising to great challenges presented to them,” said Pinkerton. “You have overcome numerous seemingly enormous obstacles, many of them bringing tremendous sea time with unexpected and unfamiliar tasking; you handled each one professionally and superbly.” 

Following his remarks, Pinkerton was awarded the Meritorious Service Medalfor his exceptional performance as commanding officer from Feb. 2009 to March 2011.

In his closing remarks, Cmdr. Pinkerton reflected on his time on Tucson and at sea.

“I knew from day one that I was blessed with a disproportionate level of talent in my crew and their chiefs,” said Pinkerton. “The professionalism, desire and pure enthusiasm I see everyday demonstrates to me that there are many new and even greater things in your future.” 

 Since Tucson’s arrival in Pearl Harbor, she has completed numerous Western Pacific deployments and other vital operations. Her ability to operate in all oceans of the world, her stealth, endurance, mobility and responsiveness make her a formidable force in multiple mission roles. 

As Cmdr. O’Harrah assumed command of Tucson, he addressed the crew about the future.

“As you keep Tucson ready to complete her national tasking, I am humbled and honored to lead you and continue the tradition and standards you have set,” said O’Harrah.

Pinkerton graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He then took part in the Naval Academy Immediate Graduate Education Program, earning a Masters in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in 1993.   
 His sea tours include USS Archerfish (SSN 678), USS Michigan Blue (SSBN 727(B)) and USS Hartford (SSN 768). His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal and various other unit awards.