Military

USS Bunker Hill Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070828-03
Release Date: 8/28/2007 7:59:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Jonathan Snell, USS Bunker Hill Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) held a change-of-command ceremony at San Diego Naval Base Aug. 24.

Capt. Patrick Piercey relieved Capt. Charles Gaouette, taking over as Bunker Hill's 12th commanding officer.

Gaouette led Bunker Hill through a Western Pacific deployment in support of the global war on terrorism, conducting operations both in the Persian Gulf and off the Horn of Africa. Under his command, Bunker Hill won two Battle Efficiency "E" awards and earned numerous other laurels, including the 2006 Spokane Award for Combat Systems excellence.

Piercey is a native of Clinton, Okla., and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College.

Piercey arrives from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) where he served as reactor officer. He previously commanded USS Howard (DDG 83).