Rear Admiral Bruce Estes Grooms

Rear Adm. Grooms, a native of Cleveland, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Following completion of nuclear power training, he served in nearly every capacity aboard a variety of submarines including a tour as executive officer of USS Pasadena (SSN 752) where he twice deployed to the Persian Gulf.

His command tours include service as commanding officer of USS Asheville (SSN 758). During this tour, the ship received the Battle Efficiency "E" award, the Golden Anchor and Silver Anchor for the highest retention in the Submarine Force. Asheville twice earned the Engineering Excellence award, won the Fleet Recreational Award for best quality of life programs, and twice won the Submarine Squadron Three Commodore’s Cup. Grooms subsequently served as commander, Submarine Squadron Six and later as commander, Submarine Group Two.

Ashore, he served as a company officer and, later, as the commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. He served as the senior military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He was the senior inspector for the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board. He served as deputy director, then director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87) and as vice director, Joint Staff.�@Currently, he is serving on the chief of naval operations’ staff as the acting deputy CNO for Operations, Plans and Strategy.

Grooms was selected as the Vice Admiral Stockdale Inspirational Leadership Award winner for 1999. He earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, graduating with distinction, and he attended Stanford University as a National Security Affairs Fellow.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and various campaign and unit awards.