CDR Richard Rhinehart
COMMANDING OFFICER
USS North Carolina (SSN 777)

Commander Rhinehart, a native of Ellsworth, Ohio and is a 1992 graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a 1994 graduate of the University of Michigan with a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.  While attending the University of Michigan, he was selected as a Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate and was subsequently commissioned in August 1994 in Pensacola, Florida.

Commander Rhinehart has served at sea as a Division Officer aboard USS PARCHE (SSN 683), Engineer of USS WEST VIRGINIA (SSBN 736) (GOLD), and Executive Officer of USS NORFOLK (SSN 714).  His at sea experience includes three deployments to various theaters of operation and five strategic deterrent patrols.

Commander Rhinehart’s shore duty assignments include service on the staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in London, England where he served in the International Fleet Exercise Division and the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron 20 in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he served as the Squadron Material Officer.  His most recent assignment was on the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces, in Norfolk, Virginia where he served until July 2010 as the Executive Assistant to the Force Commander.

Commander Rhinehart is a graduate of the Joint Combined Warfare Course and the British Royal Navy Submarine Command Course, more commonly known as “Perisher.” 

In April 2011, Commander Rhinehart relieved as Commanding Officer, USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777).

Commander Rhinehart’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.