Rear Admiral Dietrich H. Kuhlmann, III

Rear Adm. Kuhlmann earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy receiving his commission in 1983. He earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from Catholic University in 1995, and later served as an associate fellow on the chief of naval operation’s Strategic Study Group XVII and a fellow on Seminar XXI.

His first submarine assignment was to the USS Florida (SSBN 728) (Gold) serving as electrical officer, damage control assistant and tactical systems officer during five strategic deterrent patrols. After completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in 1990, he reported as the combat systems officer on the USS Guittaro (SSN 665). As Guittaro began decommissioning, he transferred in January 1992 to the staff of commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Five where he served as the submarine operations officer during a deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In 1996, he reported as the executive officer aboard the USS Boston (SSN 703) and completed deployments to the Northern Atlantic and Eastern Pacific.

Kuhlmann served as commanding officer of the USS Michigan (SSBN 727) (Gold) from November 2000 to November 2003 completing five strategic deployment patrols which resulted in his crew earning three Battle Efficiency E awards. Almost four years later, following Michigan’s conversion to an SSGN, he was privileged to complete his major command assignment on the Michigan (Blue) crew during the ship’s first deployment to the Western Pacific.

His shore tours include cryptologic field and direct support officer on the staff of the commander, Pacific Fleet, Research and Development and Major Defense Acquisition Program analyst on the staff of the chief of naval operations (N80); executive officer of the Tactical Readiness Evaluation (TRE) team on the staff of commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet; deputy director for Investment and Development for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller); and, deputy chief, Capabilities and Acquisition Division, J8. Following major command, he returned to the Joint Staff, J8, as chief, Program and Budget Analysis Division (PBAD).  Kuhlmann assumed duties as the director, Operations Division, ASN(FM&C), FMB-1/Fiscal Management Division, N821 in July 2010.

Kuhlmann is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and several other individual and unit decorations.