Lt. Cmdr. John Witte
Executive Officer, PCU Minnesota (SSN 783)
Lieutenant Commander Witte, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, graduated from Iowa State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science. He served his division officer tour onboard USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN-706) from January 2002 to April 2005. During his tour, the ship completed an Engineered Refueling Overhaul, a Central Command deployment and was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” for Submarine Squadron TWO for 2004. He then reported as the Naval Special Warfare/Advanced SEAL Delivery System Officer at Submarine Squadron ONE from May 2005 to May 2007. While in Hawaii, he completed a Masters degree in Engineering Management through Old Dominion University.
Following the Submarine Officer Advanced Course, he completed his Department Head tour as Engineer Officer onboard USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727) (GOLD) from November 2007 to July 2010. During his tour, the ship completed two Western Pacific deployments including direct support of Special Operations Forces and was awarded the Engineering “E” for Submarine Squadron NINETEEN for 2009. He then served as a Junior Board Member on the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board from August 2010 to March 2012.
Lieutenant Commander Witte’s personal decorations include the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.