CDR Kevin K. Roach
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701)

Commander Kevin K. Roach graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in February 1996.

CDR Roach’s sea assignments include: USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he served in a variety of Engineering Division Officer assignments and as the Assistant Weapons Officer.  During his tour KAMEHAMEHA conducted three Western Pacific deployments and was awarded both the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Battle “E”.  USS GEORGIA (SSBN/SSGN 729) in Bangor, Washington where he served as the Engineer Officer.  During his tour GEORGIA conducted two strategic deterrent patrols and a change of homeport to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA to begin its refueling overhaul and SSGN conversion. USS ALASKA (SSBN 742) where he served as Executive Officer.  During his tour, ALASKA completed its refueling overhaul, sea-trial, all strategic certifications, and the ship’s first post-overhaul strategic deterrent patrol.

CDR Roach’s shore assignments included Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California where he graduated with distinction earning both a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and the Mechanical Engineers Degree; the Commander Submarine Squadron Fifteen staff in Agana, Guam where he served as the Squadron Engineer; the Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College where he earned a Master of Military Studies; and the Commander Submarine Forces ATLANTIC staff where he served as the senior navigation evaluator and Executive Officer of the Atlantic Fleet Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team.

CDR Roach’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars.