Cmdr. John W. Fancher
Cmdr. Fancher, a native of Hammond, Ind., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He served his division officer tour onboard USS Phoenix (SSN 702) from February 1993 to December 1995 completing three Atlantic Ocean deployments. He then reported as a Shift Engineer and then Operations Officer of the S7G Prototype from January 1996 to March 1998.
Following the Submarine Officer Advanced Course, he completed his Department Head tour as Navigator onboard USS Ohio (SSBN 726) (Gold) from September 1998 to March 2002. During his tour, the ship completed six strategic deterrent patrols and was awarded the Navigation “N” and Battle Efficiency “E” for Submarine Squadron 17 for 2001. He then served as the Science and Technology Action Officer for the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington DC from March 2002 to June 2004. While in DC, he attended the George Washington University receiving a Master’s of Science in Computer Science.
After attending the Submarine Command Course, Fancher served as executive officer onboard USS Buffalo (SSN 715) from October 2004 to August 2006. During his tour, USS Buffalo completed the first Engineered Refueling Overhaul of a 688-class submarine in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and commenced an extended deployment to the Western Pacific. Following this tour, he was assigned to the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 7 (Ronald Reagan Strike Group) as the Submarine Operations Officer (N36) and Plans Officer (N5) from September 2006 to December 2007 completing a surge deployment to the Western Pacific.
Prior to initial manning of Minnesota, Fancher was assigned to Submarine Squadron 11 as the Deputy Commander for Readiness from June 2008 until June 2010.
Fancher’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards).