Rear Admiral Richard P. Breckenridge

Rear Adm. Breckenridge, a native of Marshfield, Mass., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982.  Following nuclear power training, he reported to USS Hammerhead (SSN 663) where he served in several division officer assignments and conducted one Mediterranean deployment (1984 to 1987). He served in USS Florida (SSBN 728) (GOLD) as the navigator/operations officer (1990 to 1993) supporting five strategic deterrent patrols.  Breckenridge served as executive officer in USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) (1995 to 1997) conducting two North Atlantic deployments. In command of USS Memphis (SSN 691) from 2001 to 2004, his crew conducted numerous tactical development exercises and fleet operations including a 2003 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Breckenridge’s most recent afloat command was commander, Submarine Squadron Four, responsible for 10 submarines representing all three attack submarine classes.

Ashore, Breckenridge has been assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., (1988 to 1989) and the Submarine Warfare Division of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff (1994 to 1995). From 1998 to 2000, Breckenridge served in the immediate Office of the Secretary of Defense providing direct support to Defense Secretary William S. Cohen and Deputy Secretary John J. Hamre. More recently, he served as the special assistant to the Director, Naval Reactors from 2004 to 2006, and the Chief of Staff, Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate (J8) on the Joint Staff from 2008 to 2009. He also served in the Deputy Director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87) on the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations from 2009 to 2011. He is currently assigned as Commander, Submarine Group Two.

Breckenridge holds master’s degrees in Engineering Acoustics and Electrical Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School.

Breckenridge’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various campaign and unit awards.