Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Announces Leadership Transition as Charles Merkel Retires and Homer Ring Takes the Helm
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (PFSM) announced today that Executive Director Charles “Chuck” Merkel will retire on May 1, marking the end of a distinguished nine-year tenure defined by transformative leadership. The museum’s Board of Directors has named Andrew “Homer” Ring as Merkel’s successor.
Since assuming the role of Executive Director in 2016, Merkel has led PFSM through a series of significant milestones. Under his leadership, the museum underwent a comprehensive $20 million renovation and he also oversaw the essential dry dock maintenance of the USS Bowfin (SS-287) in 2022, preserving the integrity of the 82-year-old World War II-era submarine for future generations. Merkel also navigated PFSM through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, steering the organization through extended closures while continuing to engage with the public.
In addition, Merkel played a key role in commemorating the 75th and 80th anniversaries of the Bowfin’s commissioning, honoring its contributions during World War II and its lasting significance in naval history. These efforts, combined with his focus on enhancing visitor engagement, helped the museum welcome its 11 millionth visitor this past fall.
“We thank Chuck Merkel for all that he has done to advance our organization through museum construction and other significant improvements,” said museum board chairman and retired U.S. Navy Captain Pete Miller. “In his efforts to preserve the history and legacy of our naval submarine force, Chuck leaves us with big shoes to fill. However, we anticipate equally great contributions from incoming Executive Director Homer Ring.”
Reflecting on his time with PFSM, Merkel shared, “Serving as Executive Director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum has been the honor of a lifetime. I am grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who made these achievements possible. Together, we have preserved an essential part of naval history and inspired countless visitors.”
A 32-year U.S. Navy veteran, Merkel served on four Pearl Harbor-based submarines, including as Commander of the USS Key West (SSN 722) from 2000 to 2003. Under his command, Key West became the first warship off the coast of Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks, participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM by launching Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan. In 2003, Captain Merkel became the first submarine Commanding Officer since World War II to lead his crew in combat during two consecutive deployments, with Key West launching Tomahawk cruise missiles into Iraq as part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Ring will assume leadership of the museum on May 2. A career submariner officer with an extensive portfolio of experience and leadership, Ring has developed strong capabilities in strategic planning, risk management, infrastructure management, and training development.
Ring’s most recent role was as Chief Staff Officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, where he managed 15 departments and over 4,300 joint service personnel. He was responsible for overseeing a $22 billion installation infrastructure and executing a $250 million operational budget. In this role, he coordinated with 294 tenant commands and managed a range of facilities and construction projects valued at $1.75 billion. Ring was also Commanding Officer of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), overseeing a hybrid crew of over 1,100 personnel responsible for submarine maintenance and repair in the Seventh Fleet’s area of responsibility.
“Ring’s background and leadership experience, as well as his passion for preserving naval heritage make him an ideal fit for this pivotal role at our museum,” Miller added.
“It’s an honor and a great privilege to take the helm of an organization that honors the proud legacy and inspires the bright future of our Navy’s submarine force,” Ring said.
