Rear Adm. Charles Young is a native of South Carolina and a 1970 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree. After receiving a Master of Civil Engineering (Ocean Engineering) at the University of Delaware in May 1971, he completed the Navy's nuclear power training program.

Young served on USS Ulyssess Grant (SSBN 631B); USS Plunger (SSN 595); and USS Sand Lance (SSN 660). He commanded PCU San Juan (SSN 751), USS San Juan (SSN 751) and USS Holland (AS 32). He was deputy commander for Readiness and Training for Submarine Squadron TWO

Shore duty assignments included instructor duty at Nuclear Power School, Bainbridge, Maryland; squadron material officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Squadron Sixteen in Kings Bay, Georgia; director of Tactical Training at the Navy Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina; and Undersea Warfare assistant office director for Advanced Submarine Technology in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Returning to Washington, District of Columbia in August 1994, Young assumed duties as director, Resources and Evaluation on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.

Upon completion of training at the Defense Systems Management College Young was certified as a submarine acquisition professional in 1995. He served as the program manager for the Navy's Unmanned Undersea Vehicles Program Office. Following selection to flag rank he served in the following billets: deputy commander, Naval Sea Systems Command for Undersea Technology; commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center; vice commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; and program executive Officer for Undersea Warfare.

Young became the 11th director of Strategic Systems Programs in July 2002 where he was responsible for all aspects of the research, development, production, logistics, storage, repair, and operational support of the Navy's Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapon Systems, which include the Trident I and II missiles and their associated shipboard subsystems. He was also the U.S. project officer responsible for managing U.S. Government support of the British Polaris/Trident Force

His personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards).

Last Updated: 9 March 2022