Rear Adm. Benedict is assigned as director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP).  Benedict’s previous flag assignment was as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), Washington, D.C.

He transferred to the engineering duty officer community in 1985. Benedict reported to Strategic Systems Programs in 1988 as a lieutenant. He has had eight previous billets within SSP in numerous technical branches, a field tour at the missile manufacturing facility and as the deputy director/technical director.

Benedict also had two tours in Naval Sea Systems Command; as a systems engineer and as executive assistant to the Commander.

Benedict graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering Science and a Master of Business Administration. He is a graduate of the Advanced Program Management course at the Defense Acquisition University, the Executive Leadership Course at Carnegie Mellon and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Benedict assumed command as the 13^th director, Strategic Systems Programs, May 7, 2010.