RADM Jonathan (Jon) Rucker is a native of Vienna, Virginia. He graduated in 1994 from Duke University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and received his commission through the NROTC program. He earned his MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, Chapel Hill in 2001 and a Naval Engineer’s Degree and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] in 2005.

Rucker’s operational tours include USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724) as a Division Officer and USS SAN FRANCISCO (SSN 711) as the Combat Systems Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. He also served as an Assistant Professor and Officer in Charge at the NROTC Unit at Duke University. Rucker deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Chief Engineer in charge of jamming systems in support of Counter Improvised Electronic Device (IED) efforts.

In 2002, Rucker laterally transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer community, and in 2005, after finishing at MIT, he reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton, where he served as the Lead Ship Coordinator and as VIRGINIA Waterfront Coordinator in charge of seven VIRGINIA class submarines. Rucker’s Acquisition and program management experience include serving as the Assistant Program Manager (APM) for Post Delivery at the VIRGINIA Program Office (PMS450); APM for New Acquisitions in the Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office (PMS394); Military Assistant for the Undersecretary for Defense for Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics; APM for New Construction & Test at PMS450; Program Manager for Unmanned Maritime Systems (PMS406); and Program Manager for the COLUMBIA Class Submarine Program (PMS397). During his tenure, the COLUMBIA program office was awarded the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award for 2021 as the top program office in Department of Defense.

His flag assignments include Program Executive Officer for Attack Submarines, leading seven programs, offices and directorates (2022-2026). In April 2026, he shifted to be the Director, Design and Construction, in Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager, Submarines, where he is responsible for design and construction of all submarines.

Last Updated: 23 June 2026