Capt. Rick Zeber, a native of Rocky River, Ohio, earned his commission in 1994 through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in biology; The Ohio State University in 1998 with a doctorate in optometry; and Navy Postgraduate School in 2009 with an Executive Master of Business Administration. 
 
At sea, he served as a logistics specialist aboard USS Georgia (SSBN 729) (Gold crew) where he completed six strategic patrols; and USS Cleveland (LPD 7) in support of Pacific Partnership 2011. 

His shore assignments include staff at Defense Health Agency Medical Logistics directorate; executive officer, Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA); commanding officer, NOSTRA; officer in charge, Naval Health Branch Clinic Bahrain; executive officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Oak Harbor; commanding officer, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command; and director, U.S. Naval Hospital and Commander, Joint Medical Group for Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay. 

As an optometrist, he served as fleet liaison for Refractive Surgery Center San Diego; aerospace-designated optometrist at Oceana Branch Health Clinic; staff optometrist at Naval Hospital Lemoore. 

He currently serves as interim commanding officer at Naval Leadership and Ethics Command San Diego, with permanent duty as a facilitator and strategic planner at Naval Leadership and Ethics Center. 

Zeber's personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards. He holds licenses to practice optometry in Ohio and California, is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the American Optometric Association and the Armed Forces Optometric Association. 

Last Updated: 18 November 2024