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Captain Brian Tanaka

Capt. Brian Tanaka, a Minnesota native, commissioned in 1996 through the Naval ROTC program at Marquette University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. 
 
Tanaka’s sea assignments include USS Memphis (SSN 691), USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), executive officer aboard USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), and commanding officer aboard USS Minnesota (SSN 783). During his sea tours, Tanaka completed deployments to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility, as well as two strategic deterrent patrols.
 
Tanaka’s shore assignments include serving as flag lieutenant to the deputy chief of naval operations, submarine warfare division; the assistant nuclear and submarine community manager for the office of the chief of naval personnel; deputy director and Navy liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives; and deputy commander, Task Force 69, U.S. 6th Fleet.
 
Tanaka holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Catholic University of America, Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program in International Affairs and Foreign Policy. 
 
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and various unit and campaign awards.  He is most proud of the awards earned as a result of excellent teamwork, resilience and battle readiness.
 

Last Updated: 18 August 2021

 
 
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