USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630) Veterans Association
Biography - Theodore O. Pickerill, CDR, USN
 
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Theodore O. Pickerill
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Commander Pickerill reported to the United States Naval Academy from Canton, Ohio.  In 1984, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.  He entered the Navy's nuclear power training program and his first operational command was the attack submarine USS GREENLING (SSN 614).

On GREENLING, he served as the Electrical Division Officer, the Main Propulsion Assistant, and the Weapons Officer.  During this period, the ship completed an overhaul at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, a Mediterranean deployment, and a major fleet exercise.  The GREENLING was awarded the Submarine Squadron Ten Battle Efficiency "E". 

Commander Pickerill then reported to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island to instruct candidates in Calculus.  While in Newport, he completed the Naval War College, College of Command and Staff program and earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University.

In 1992, he reported to USS JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN 630) Blue crew as the Strategic Weapons Officer.  As the Weapons officer, his department was tasked with the safe operation and maintenance of the launch and targeting systems for sixteen ballistic missiles, as well as the ship's torpedo and sonar systems.  During this tour, he completed two deterrent patrols, an Atlantic to Pacific fleet transfer, and shipyard entry for decommissioning.

Following CALHOUN's entry into Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for deactivation, CDR Pickerill reported to USS PHOENIX (SSN 702) as the Navigation and Operations Officer.  While attached to PHOENIX,, he qualified for command at sea, deployed twice to the North Atlantic, and participated in three major NATO exercises.  During this period, PHOENIX was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Submarine Squadron Eight Tactical Operations "T". 

In 1995, Commander Pickerill reported to the United States Strategic Command near Omaha, Nebraska, for service as the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) readiness and surety officer.  During this period, Commander Pickerill worked closely with members of the Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin Corporation, the Army, Air Force, and Navy, to ensure the continued readiness and safety of the Navy's SLBM nuclear warheads.  While in Nebraska, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska.

Commander Pickerill's awards include the Defense Meritoriuos Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal, as well as several unit commendations.