Rear Adm. James E. Pitts assumed command from Rear Adm. Richard A. Correll as commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 7, and commander, Task Forces (CTF) 54 and 74, at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Benny Decker Theater, June 20.

Vice Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet presided over the ceremony and gave remarks as the guest speaker.

"Rich's experience as a strategic planner enabled integration of U.S., allied and coalition assets, some for the first time, in both 7th and 5th fleets," said Sawyer. "CTF-74, as the theater ASW (anti-submarine warfare) commander, is arguably the U.S. Navy's 'gold-standard' for a high-end, warfighting mission area."

The departed commander Correll assumed command of COMSUBGRU 7 and CTF-54 and 74 in August 2016. He was responsible for submarine and undersea operations in the Indo-Pacific and Central commands, a combined area which spans from the International Dateline to the Suez Canal. Previous command assignments include Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) and Submarine Squadron 11 in San Diego.

"I want to thank our allies and partners for all you do in support of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," said Correll. "I can assure you that Rear Admiral Pitts will be a great friend and partner to you all. I also want to thank the COMSUBGRU 7 team for your continuous hard work and professionalism in support of our forward-deployed Sailors and civilian mariners."

The new commander Pitts, most recently served as commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center. During his career, he has served in a variety of command positions, including USS Tucson (SSN 770) and Submarine Squadron 7 in Pearl Harbor.

"With the team being at the tip of the spear, we will advance our interoperability with allies and partners and our warfighting readiness," said Pitts. "I'm humbled, excited and look forward to this tremendous opportunity and honor to lead and serve in this vital and dynamic region."

COMSUBGRU 7 directs submarine activities throughout the western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea; two forward-deployed submarine tenders and four attack submarines homeported in Guam; five surveillance, towed-array sensor system vessels and three oceanographic survey vessels when tasked for theater anti-submarine warfare operations.

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