Capt. Glenn W. Pendrick was relieved by Cmdr. Charles H. Maher as Commanding Officer of USS Memphis (SSN 691) in a ceremony at the Shepherd of the Sea Chapel Jan 8.
Rear Adm. Joseph P. Mulloy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget, was present to commend Pendrick’s numerous accomplishments.
"Thanks to Glenn’s leadership and vision, the Memphis is a model of organizational efficiency, operational effectiveness, and excellent quality of life," said Mulloy, the guest speaker. "In short, he and his team, in the fine tradition of this particular submarine and our force, have made our Navy, our nation, and our world a safer and better place."
During Pendrick’s tour as commanding officer, Memphis’ crew transformed into a motivated, highly-functional team prepared for any challenge and completed a highly successful deployment with the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group in the U.S. European and Central Command areas. Pendrick took a few moments to commend his excellent crew.
"I can say without a doubt that you should be very proud of what we have achieved here," said Pendrick. "You have done your duty with a willingness and enthusiasm that cannot be matched."
After taking command of the Memphis, Maher had a few words of enthusiasm to express.
"I am proud to be your Commanding Officer," said Maher. "I look forward to sailing with you and earning your trust and confidence. I hope to provide to you the same example of positive leadership, tactical excellence, and technical expertise that my former commanding officers provided to me."
Maher concluded with a fresh challenge for the crew of Memphis.
"Commit to the warrior spirit embodied in John Paul Jones’ exhortation aboard the Bonhomme Richard: ‘I have not yet begun to fight!’"
Pendrick, a native of Tampa, Fl. and a 1988 distinctive graduate of the United States Naval Academy, will next serve as the Submarine Squadron 16 Deputy Commander in Kings Bay, Ga.
Prior to taking command of Memphis, Maher served as Executive Officer aboard USS Tucson (SSN 770) and Commanding Officer of a Naval Reserve unit in Cutler, Maine.
In addition, Maher, a native of Bainbridge Island, Wa., and a 1990 graduate of Notre Dame, served as a Division Officer aboard USS Bergall (SSN 667). He previously served aboard Memphis as its Chief Engineer from 2002 until 2004.