Commander Kenneth W. RiceExecutive Officer
Commander Rice, originally from Laurens, South Carolina, served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve as an Ammunition Technician before being commissioned through Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida in 1997. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University.
His initial sea tour was in the USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15), where he reported as the Electrical Officer but eventually served as Auxiliaries Officer and the Main Propulsion Assistant. He served his Department Head tours as the Chief Engineer in the USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58) and as the Material & Logistics Officer for Destroyer Squadron 22.
Commander Rice’s shore tours include the Education & Training Management Program at Old Dominion University, Requirements Officer at Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, Flag Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and as an Interagency Analyst at Central Command Head Quarters.
Commander Rice’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal and various unit and service awards.