Navy Cmdr. Gustavo Gutierrez was recently relieved by Cmdr. John E. Cage as the commanding officer during a change of command ceremony aboard Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735).

While on the Pennsylvania, Gutierrez led the crew through a refueling overhaul, crew split, the certification for the ship’s return to strategic service and the crew’s first post overhaul deterrent patrol. During this period , the ship was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation on two occasions.

Gutierrez is a 1988 graduate of Christopher Columbus High School, Miami, Fla. He is the son of Gustavo Gutierrez of Port Orchard and Maria T. Gutierrez of Poulsbo.