• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Commander, Submarine Squadron 7 Holds Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100817-01
8/17/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 7 held a change of command ceremony aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Aug. 13.

Capt. James Pitts relieved Capt. Christopher Kaiser as CSS-7 commodore.

"Chris has demonstrated superb leadership throughout this tour, leaving behind a squadron that is superbly trained, expertly maintained and ready for any challenge," said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Although he leaves a major command today, he will continue to have a significant impact on the Submarine Force in his next assignment. I thank him and congratulate him for all his great work."

Following his remarks, McAneny presented Capt. Kaiser with his second Legion of Merit for deploying five successful submarines to the Western Pacific, where CSS-7 submarines conducted missions vital to national security. Additionally,Kaiser's direct engagement with the Republic of Korea submarine Lee Eok Gi while deployed to Pearl Harbor for the 2010 Rim of the Pacific Exercise contributed significantly to the strengthening of United States-South Korean Navy relations and allied submarine interoperability.

In his closing remarks, Kaiser expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for the crew on his squadron staff as well as the crews of his six submarines: USS Pasadena (SSN 752), USS Columbus (USS 762), USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), USS Tucson (SSN 770), USS Columbia (USS 771) and USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), that fell under his leadership while in command.

"I would like to thank and congratulate all of you for all the outstanding work you accomplish on a daily basis" said Kaiser. "Operating technical marvels like these submarines takes the collective wisdom, strength and dedication of a focused and disciplined team. It has been a privilege and a deep honor and I leave this job confident that our nation is in very safe hands indeed."

As Pitts assumed command of CSS-7, he focused on the assignment and command to which he is now assigned.

"It is here that our submarines are called upon to carry out operations critical to our country's national interest and objectives," said Pitts. "I look forward to working the submarine team, the CSS-7 staff and the skippers and crews of this great squadron as our submarines prepare to carry out vital and significant operations."

Kaiser will transfer to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for his next duty assignment. He is a 1983 graduate of Saint Mary's University, Winona, Minn., where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in chemistry. After completing his initial nuclear power and submarine training, he completed operational assignments on USS Buffalo (SSN 715), USS Alabama (SSBN 731) (Gold), USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716) and commanded USS Houston (SSN 713). He assumed his recent duties as Commander, CSS-7, in July 2008.

Through the years, 58 submarines have been assigned to CSS-7. Today, six of the Los Angeles improved-class nuclear-powered subs are assigned to the squadron.

CSS-7 has been commanded by 40 different commodores, including Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Richard O'Kane and former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso II.