Lt. Cmdr. Philip J. Carey relieved Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Harry as commanding officer of the floating dry dock Arco (ARDM 5) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma, July 27.

A change of command is a military tradition representing the formal transfer of responsibility for a unit from one officer to another.

Capt. Chris Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 and guest speaker for the ceremony, praised Harry and his crew for their stellar performance and all their accomplishments.

"While at the helm of this national treasure, Commander Zack Harry and the Arco team have enjoyed tremendous success," said Cavanaugh. "Each docking evolution is challenging and complex. Zack and his young crew pulled off some of the smoothest docking evolutions I've witnessed, always ensuring safety, efficiency, and accuracy on the blocks."

Following his remarks, Cavanaugh presented Harry with the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional leadership from 2016 to 2018. During that time, Harry was responsible for the docking and undocking of three Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines and the navy research vessel Flip. Additionally, he oversaw the safe execution of more than 500 hours of precision crane lifts carrying vital parts for the submarines.

Harry reflected on his time in command, expressing his appreciation for his Sailors and their hard work.

"I have never worked with a harder working and more dedicated group than these Sailors," said Harry. "These young men and women give their best day in and day out. I want the crew to know that I am very proud and appreciative of the hard work you put in."

After reading their orders and exchanging salutes, Carey took command of Arco from Harry and addressed his crew for the first time.

"Article 0802 of the U.S. Naval Regulations gives me the absolute authority and responsibility to ensure the safety, well-being, and efficiency of the entire command as the commanding officer," said Carey. "I take this charge whole heartedly and look forward to the challenges that await me as I carry out this charge."

Harry, a native of Angie, Louisiana, completed Nuclear Field "A" School and Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida after enlisting in 1990. He later completed the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina. In January 2003, Harry was commissioned as a limited duty officer.

He has served on board USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

Carey, a native of Antelope Valley, California, enlisted in the Navy in 1991. He became an Electrician's Mate after completing training through the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in Orlando, Fla. and Idaho Falls, Idaho. After serving 12 years in the enlisted community and becoming a chief petty officer, Carey commissioned as a nuclear power limited officer in 2003.

He served as an enlisted Sailor on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Carey was later assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as an officer.

Arco (ARDM 5), the second dry dock to bear the name Arco, was built by the Todd Pacific Shipyard Corporation in Seattle. It was placed in service on June 23, 1986. Arco has a lifting capacity of 7,800 tons, is 492 feet long, 96 feet wide and has a wing wall height of 61 feet. The dry dock is equipped with two wing wall cranes capable of lifting up to 25 tons each. It is used primarily for dry-docking and servicing 688 class submarines.

In addition to Arco, Submarine Squadron 11 consists of five Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines and Undersea Rescue Command (URC).

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