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USS Pasadena Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110722-31
7/22/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Cmdr. Luis Molina relieved Cmdr. Andrew St. John as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) in a time-honored change of command ceremony at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 22.

As Cmdr. Molina assumed command of Pasadena, he addressed the crew about the future.

"To the officers and crew of Pasadena, I appreciate the support you have provided during my turnover process," said Molina. "This is a period of challenging transitions for us, not because we have a new commanding officer, but because we have a very dynamic schedule. The challenges will be daunting and at times will seem insurmountable. But, I assure you that we will stick to our principles and our submarine core values."

Guest speaker, Executive Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Integrations and Resources, Capt. Ronald Boxall praised St. John and his crew on their recent accomplishments aboard Pasadena and on his naval career.

"I admired from afar the way USS Pasadena met the challenges of deployment," said Boxall. "And as you part command, you leave knowing that you did your duty and that you served your crew, your Navy, and your nation with honor."

St. John 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.

"Without the submariners of Pasadena, this ship would be nothing more than an impressive pile of metal," said St. John. "Sailors give a ship life and the crew has given this ship life. They have accomplished great things while conducting extensive operations well above the average, and that is how I describe my crew; well above average."

Following his remarks, St. John was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from February 2009 to July 2011.

In his closing remarks, Cmdr. St. John reflected on his time on Pasadena and at sea.

"It is hard to imagine 30 months have passed since I last stood up here taking command," said St. John. "It has been an amazing adventure that had it all, excitement, new places, new people and challenges."

St. John's next assignment will be at Commander, Submarine Squadron 1 located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.