Pittsfield Native Takes Command of Submarine Squadron
BANGOR, Wash. — Navy Capt. Robert Gaucher of Pittsfield, Mass., assumed command of Submarine Development Squadron 5 on March 22 at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.
He relieved Capt. Douglas Perry of Alexandria, Va., of his duties and responsibilities during the change of command ceremony at Bangor Chapel.
Perry assumed command of SUBDEVRON 5 on March 17, 2014. During his leadership, Perry supported the development of the Navy's first Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) squadron, oversaw the successful deployment of the fast-attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21), and provided Immediate Superior in Charge (ISIC)-level oversight of all three Seawolf-class submarines during major shipyard maintenance periods.
"Many people have been pushing UUVs and bringing this capability forward, but no one individual has had as much impact as Capt. Doug Perry," said Vice Adm. Joseph Mulloy, deputy chief of naval operations, integration of capabilities and resources. "His name and influence is inside the Pentagon at the highest levels, in our labs, corporate America, our combatant commanders and fleet commanders. He never rests; driven to bring change and success to all he touches."
SUBDEVRON 5 earned the fiscal 2014 and 2015 Retention Excellence Awards under Perry's leadership. The Retention Excellence Award, also known as the "Golden Anchor Award," is presented annually to commands that meet or exceed the retention criteria set forth by the chief of naval operations.
"I would like to take a few minutes to reflect upon the incredible work of my sailors, officers and chiefs across the detachments and on the fast-attack submarines USS Connecticut, USS Seawolf and USS Jimmy Carter," said Perry. "The efforts of every man, toward high priority objectives aligned by inspiring leadership, rigorous adherence to high standards and brutally honest appraisal, enable the high velocity learning and continuous improvement that characterizes our vigilant submarine culture and heritage."
Perry's next assignment will be in Norfolk, Va., where he will serve as chief of staff of commander, Submarine Forces.
"Capt. Gaucher, you are taking the helm at SUBDEVRON 5 at a crucial time for our submarine force and our Navy, and you are absolutely the best man for the job," said Perry. "You bring incredible knowledge and experience to the command that will assuredly enable you and the detachments and our Seawolf-class submarines to achieve new levels of performance."
Gaucher arrives to SUBDEVRON 5 from Arlington, Va., where he served on the support staff of the deputy director of Naval Intelligence.
His operational assignments included tours as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) and executive officer of the Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738).
"To the team at SUBDEVRON 5, this assignment was No. 1 on my wish list for major command and watching you all perform over the recent months makes me certain I prioritized well," said Gaucher. "With the recent Navy and submarine force drive for rapid innovation and leveraging of unmanned systems to expand our dominance in the undersea domain, we have exciting times ahead. I look forward to getting to work, so we can continue to execute the CNO's Design for Maritime Superiority and the Submarine Force Commander's Intent, in carrying out our special mission of undersea operations, research and development."
SUBDEVRON 5 is charged with multiple submarine warfare mission areas to include submarine rescue operations and the activities of its three Seawolf-Class submarines. SUBDEVRON 5 is responsible for developing and testing new submarine warfare capabilities, including the use of Unmanned Undersea Vehicles.
Gaucher is a 25-year Navy veteran and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991.
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