Commander Steven J. Skretkowicz, United States Navy

Commander Skretkowicz, a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1990 through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program following his sophomore year of studies at University of Memphis (then known as Memphis State University), Memphis, Tennessee. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (summa cum laude) and graduating Officer Candidate School (with distinction), he was commissioned in September 1992.

Following completion of initial nuclear power and submarine training, he served aboard the USS SPADEFISH (SSN 668) from 1994 to 1997 in several Division Officer assignments and as Assistant Engineer. SPADEFISH completed successful deployments to the South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, Western Pacific, and Mediterranean Sea before her decommissioning at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1997. He then completed his initial sea tour aboard the USS GRAYLING (SSN 646) as Assistant Engineer during her decommissioning.

He next attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (with distinction) in 1999. After completion of the Submarine Officer Advance Course in Groton, Connecticut, and Strategic Weapons Officer Training at Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor, he served as the Weapons Officer from September 2000 until March 2004 aboard the USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729) (BLUE). A plank-owner of Submarine Squadron Nineteen at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor, he next served as the Squadron Weapons Officer from the standup of the squadron until June 2005. After completing the Submarine Command Course and associated training for prospective Executive Officers, he served as Executive Officer of USS MAINE (SSBN 741) (GOLD) until July 2007, during which time the ship earned several awards, including the Squadron 19 Battle Efficiency Award. From July 2007 until July 2011 he served on the staff of Commander, Navy Personnel Command, aboard Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee at the Center for Career Development and later as the Major Staff Placement Officer.

Commander Skretkowicz's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.