CDR Harry Ganteaume
Commanding Officer
US Navy
Featured: 02-08-2010 thru 02-14-2010

Commander (CDR) Harry Ganteaume was born and raised in Maracay, Venezuela, where he lived for his first 15 years. He moved to the United States and completed high school in Virginia. After high school he attended Bucknell University, earning both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Upon receiving his commission from the U.S. Navy, he was selected to attend the Navy Nuclear Power school while there he studied courses including calculus, physics, reactor plant chemistry and electrical engineering. His first assignment after completing his training program was on board the USS Ray. He served as the Shift Engineer in the Nuclear Power Training Unit, in this capacity he was responsible for the initial nuclear training of enlisted and officer personnel. While serving his tour on the USS Ray, CDR Ganteaume earned his qualifications as a Submarine Officer which enabled him to act as Officer of the Deck, responsible for ship driving on the surface and submerged, and all operations onboard the submarine. He also qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch in this capacity he was responsible for the Reactor and Propulsion Plant Operations and had direct supervision of 12 team members. After successfully completing several assignments and moving up the ranks, CDR Ganteaume was selected to attend Naval War College, while there he earned his second Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Upon finishing school he was assigned to the SEVENTH Fleet Operations Staff in Yokosuka, Japan where he supported the Forward Deployed Naval Force and rotational deploying ships and submarines. Following this tour, he was assigned to the Strategic Planning and Policy staff at the U.S. Pacific Command, where he supported the development of theater operational plans. In 2007 CDR Ganteaume assumed command of USS SEAWOLK (SSN 21) in Groton, CT. Shortly after reporting onboard he executed a change of homeport from Groton, CT to Bremerton, WA as part of the U.S. Navy’s realignment of naval assets between the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. He is responsible for the training, well being, and performance measures of a crew of over 150 personnel as well as the operation and administration of the nuclear powered submarine. Throughout his career as a Submarine Force Naval Officer CDR Ganteaume has exemplified the very best qualities demonstrated by accomplished leaders. He has consistently provided professional advice and mentorship to his submarine crew to enable them to reach their full capacity. His successful deployment record has been briefed at the highest level in our government, including the President of the United States. CDR Ganteaume personal medals include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (two awards) and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. CDR Ganteaume is married to the former Sumiko Sasagawa of Kamakura, Japan.