CAPT Roger D. Phelps Jr. was born in Subic Bay, Philippines, and grew up in San Diego, CA and Jacksonville, FL.  He joined the Navy in July 1992 immediately after high school.  In 1994, upon completion of Recruit Training, Nuclear Field Electrician’s Mate "A" School, Naval Nuclear Power School, and Naval Nuclear Prototype, he reported to the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737 Gold Crew) in Kings Bay, GA.  While onboard he was Qualified in Submarines and all senior in-rate EM watch stations. 

In 1999, he transferred to Naval Recruiting District Atlanta serving as a recruiter, assistant Recruiter in Charge, and Recruiter in Charge of NRS North Columbus, GA.  During this tour he completed and earned his Bachelor of Science w/emphasis in Nuclear Technology, promoted to First Class Petty Officer, and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School as a Student Naval Aviator.

In 2002, CAPT Phelps commissioned as an Ensign through Officer Candidate School and began flight training with the VT-3 Red Knights at NAS Whiting Field.  His selection of Maritime led to follow on training with the VT-35 Stingrays in Corpus Christi, TX and then VP-30 in Jacksonville, FL.  In 2005, he reported to the VP-16 War Eagles in Jacksonville, FL. 

In 2008, after completing two tri-site deployments with the War Eagles, he transferred to Naval ROTC Unit, University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, serving as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science, Aviation and Nuclear Power advisor, and CORTRAMID West Operations Officer. While assigned to NROTC USF, he completed his Masters of Business Administration.  

In 2011, he reported to Commander, U.S. Central Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, where he completed a Global Support Assignment (GSA) as an Action Officer and Branch XO for J3-Plans Levant/Maritime and then Arabian Peninsula branches.  During this tour he was selected for lateral transfer to the Human Resources Community (1200) and promotion to Lieutenant Commander.  

In 2012, his first HR assignment was to Naval Recruiting Orientation Unit (NORU), Pensacola, FL, as DH for the Naval Recruiting Leadership Academy (NRLA).  In 2014, he screened for LCDR Milestone and served as Training Officer onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), also spending some time deployed as Training Officer on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).  

In 2016, he reported to Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) earning JPME 1 credit and a second Master’s degree in Military Arts and Science.  While at ACSC he was selected for promotion to Commander.  In 2017, he reported to Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) as Deputy for Ready Relevant Learning working as a Special Assistant to CNETC.  
In 2019, he reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New Orleans and served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer until April 2021.  NTAG NOLA received the NTAG of the Year, Recruiting Silver ’R’ award in FY19, and the Recruiting Bronze ‘R’ in FY20.  He returned to NETC as the Ready Relevant Learning Program Manager (N00R), Special Assistant to CNETC, and selected for promotion to Captain.  
He served as the Director, Human Resources Service Center (HRSC) at MyNavy Career Center from October 2023 to May 2024, and completed a second tour as the Commanding Officer of NTAG New Orleans from June 2024 to June 2025, earning the NTAG of the Year, Gold ‘R’ for FY24.
CAPT Phelps’ next assignment is as the Commanding Officer of Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) in Pensacola, FL.
CAPT Phelps is married to Tracy (31 years) and they have 3 kids, Kasey (25), Roger III (22), and Daphne (16).  His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (5), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (5) and Achievement Medals (2), and various other campaign and service awards.
 

Last Updated: 29 August 2025