Capt. Rich Eytel, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, received his commission and graduated in 2003 from the Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics. He earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. National War College.His operational assignments include damage control assistant, USS Nicholas (FFG 47); navigator, USS Monterey (CG 61); operations officer, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66); operations officer, Destroyer Squadron 22; executive officer, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and commanding officer, USS Stout (DDG 55).
Ashore, he served as a seamanship and navigation instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy; action officer on the Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5) staff; deputy fleet scheduler at U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and operations officer for the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic.
He reported to Surface Combat Systems Training Command as commodore in February 2025.
Eytel’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards.