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McAneny Relieves Walsh as Pacific Submarine Force Commander

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080913-17
Release Date: 9/13/2008 9:50:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Cynthia Clark

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet held a change of command ceremony on the submarine piers at Naval Station Pearl Harbor Sept. 12.

Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny relieved Rear Adm. Joe Walsh as commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Admiral Robert Willard, Commander, Pacific Fleet, guest speaker at the event said Walsh served as a strong, persistent voice for the Pacific Fleet submarine force.

"During World War II the Pacific Fleet earned an exceptional reputation," Willard said. "That tradition of excellence continues today by the finest collection of boats and submariners anywhere in the world.

"COMSUBPAC forces are quietly and professionally observing and protecting in some of the most challenging waters in the world, and Joe Walsh has ensured their readiness to do this."

Willard presented Walsh his fifth Legion of Merit for his command of the Pacific submarine force. Walsh propelled the force to the highest state of operational and personnel readiness, Willard said. This included the conversion of USS Ohio from a ballistic missile submarine to a conventional guided-missile submarine (SSGN) and her subsequent maiden deployment as a SSGN.

Walsh, who will next serve as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said serving as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Force has been one of his favorite assignments.

"I'm a little sad to be leaving," Walsh said. "I will also tell you I think it's been two very productive years, so I leave with a great deal of professional satisfaction."

Walsh praised the commanding officers, the submarine squadrons and the COMSUBPAC staff for their contributions to the operational success of Pacific Fleet submarines.

"I want you to know that leading you these past two years has been a privilege and one of the highest honors of my life," Walsh continued. "You are serving in an important place at an important time. Thank you for your service to the submarine force, to our Navy and to our great country."

In addition to his duties as the Pacific Submarine Force commander, Walsh also served as commander of Task Force 134, which oversees operations of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). During his tenure, eight SSBNs completed 40 strategic deterrent patrols.

He also led the overhaul and shift of forcewide training to a skills-based, outcome focused program, through implementation of the Continuing Training Manual.

McAneny told his submarine force he was "[looking] forward to working with and for each and every member of that great team as we continue to deliver dominant, full-spectrum war fighting readiness to our Navy and our nation."

McAneny's previous assignment was as commander, Submarine Group 7 in Yokosuka, Japan. He is a 1978 graduate of the University of Nebraska. McAneny has served on five submarines, including command of USS Philadelphia (SSN 690). He also served as deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs (Europe/NATO/Russia/Africa) (J5) on the Joint Staff in Washington D.C.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/.