High-Res portrait

CDR James O'Harrah
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS TUCSON (SSN 770)

A native of Trenton, New Jersey, CDR O’Harrah graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a Bachelors of Science in Systems Engineering. 

After completing nuclear power and submarine basic training, CDR O’Harrah reported to the fast attack submarine USS ATLANTA (SSN-712) in October 1995, completing two six-month deployments to the Mediterranean Sea.   From March 1999 to July 2001, he served as the Flag Lieutenant to the Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet. 

Upon graduation from the Submarine Officer’s Advanced Course in November 2003, CDR O’Harrah  reported to USS SEAWOLF (SSN-21) serving as Navigator/Operations Officer and Engineer Officer.  During his tour, USS SEAWOLF completed a first of a kind Selected Restricted Availability and a Western Pacific Deployment.  

Following the Submarine Command Course, CDR O’Harrah became the Executive Officer of USS WYOMING (SSBN-742) (BLUE) in July 2007 and completed three successful patrol cycles.   From April to July 2009, he served as Chief Staff Officer for Submarine Squadron TWENTY.

He is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 Awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (3 Awards)    In 2003, he earned a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and in 2010 earned a Masters of Strategic Studies from the Air War College.