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USS City of Corpus Christi Holds Change of Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110729-43
7/29/2011

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

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Cmdr. Christopher Buziak relieved Cmdr. Robert Gaucher as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) during a change of command ceremony at the Parche Memorial Park, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 29.

As Cmdr. Buziak assumed command of City of Corpus Christi, he talked to the crew about honoring a legacy.

"I am exceptionally proud and honored to be your commanding officer," said Buziak. "I understand very well the legacy you have created but most importantly the submariners that came before us. To sail out of Pearl Harbor is a true privilege."

Guest speaker Capt. John Russ, commander, Submarine Squadron 15 praised Gaucher for his exceptional performance while commanding City of Corpus Christi as well as the crew on their accomplishments under Gaucher's leadership.

"The City of Corpus Christi crew's exceptional performance during mission periods contributed significantly in advancing our knowledge of our potential adversaries and expanding our war fighting capabilities in the Western Pacific," said Russ. "Your submarine executed every mission tasking with professionalism and superior operational competence. They are clearly a team ready to take the fight to the enemy, whenever and wherever required."

Gaucher acknowledged the majority of the submarine's success during his time as commanding officer should be attributed to the crew and their hard work.

"I can tell you, without hesitation, I would gladly face any adversary in the world with this crew," said Gaucher. "They have an incredible fighting spirit which they have demonstrated time and time again in keeping the ship at sea and on mission. A task they have handled with integrity, professionalism and zeal."

Following his remarks, Gaucher was awarded the meritorious service medal for his exceptional performance as commanding officer from January 2009 to July 2011.

In his closing remarks, Cmdr. Gaucher reflected on his time on City of Corpus Christi and at sea.

"I will never forget the most challenging operations I have faced in my 20 years of naval service," he said. "The crew truly embodied the teamwork, camaraderie and fighting spirit worthy of the hallowed ground we stand on today. I thank you for the opportunity to be your captain. It was an honor to sail with you."

Originally from Pittsfield, Mass., Gaucher graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering. His sea tours include USS Flying Fish (SSN 673), USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) and USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Blue). His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards).

City of Corpus Christi, known by the crew for the ship's motto, "For God and Country," is the second ship to be named after the Texas city. The ship is capable of conducting anti-surface and anti-submarine operations along with guided missile strike operations using conventional Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.