Submarine Skipper Relieved

"A Lucky Man" is Relieved as Submarine Skipper
Story Number: NNS090620-08
Release Date: 6/20/2009 11:51:00 AM
By Lt. Patrick Evans, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Calling himself "a lucky man," the commander of Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) was relieved during a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London's Shepherd of the Sea chapel June 19.

Cmdr. Andrew C. Jarrett, a native of Alexandria, Va., turned over command of Pittsburgh to Cmdr. Michael K. Savageaux during the ceremony.

During the event, Jarrett told his crew that they were the reason he came to work everyday.

"The most important part of this job is interacting with you," said Jarrett during his speech where he paused several times because he was overcome by emotion. "The success we earned is because every one of you gave more than I had asked for in terms of sacrifice and unity."

During Jarrett's tour as commanding officer, Pittsburgh became the first submarine to deploy to the U.S. Africa Command and completed a deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. Jarrett will next serve as Battalion officer at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"The record of success of Pittsburgh under the guiding leadership of Andy Jarrett has been exceptional," said guest speaker and Norwich native Rear Adm. Arnold Lotring, commander, Naval Service Training Command.
"What I find most impressive about the period of the ship's history under Andy's command is that despite extended and complex periods of maintenance, he was able to ensure that his crew's training and readiness proficiency did not degrade, but, in fact, improved."

Savageaux returns to the area he calls home. A native of Grafton, Mass., Savageaux previously served as the deputy director of the Center for Expeditionary Counterterrorism Operations and deputy for Readiness for Submarine Squadron 2, both in Groton.

"I am humbled and honored to be your commanding officer and I look forward to working with you to take our ship out to sea and into harm's way," said Savageaux.