FLEET ACTIVITES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Rear Adm. James E. Pitts assumes
command from Rear Adm. Richard A. Correll as Commander, Submarine Group
(COMSUBGRU) 7, Commander, Task Force (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 Seventh and Fifth fleets," said Sawyer. "CTF-74, as
the theater ASW commander, is arguably the U.S. Navy's 'gold-standard' for a high-end,
war fighting 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 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. I can assure you that RDML Pitts will be a great friend and
partner to you all," said Correll. "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.