Rear Adm. Jonathan (Jon) Rucker is a native of Vienna, Virginia. He graduated Magna cum Laude from Duke University in May 1994 earning a degree in electrical engineering.

After completing the nuclear pipeline, Rucker reported to his first submarine, USS Louisville (SSN 724) in October 1995, serving in several division officer positions. In December 1998, he proceeded to the NROTC Unit at Duke University where he served as an assistant professor and officer in charge. While attached there, he earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, Chapel Hill.

 In July 2001, Rucker reported to USS San Francisco (SSN 711) for duty as the Combat Systems Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. In December 2001, he was selected for the Navy’s Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) program. In May 2002, he proceeded to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduating in June 2005, earning a Naval Engineer’s degree and a Master in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems).

Rucker then attended the EDO Basic Course and reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton. He served as the lead ship coordinator for both the USS Augusta (SSN 710) Interim Drydocking Availability and USS Virginia (SSN 774) Post Shakedown Availability, and as Virginia Waterfront Coordinator in charge of seven Virginia class submarines.

In July 2008, Rucker reported to PEO Submarines as part of the Virginia Program Office (PMS450). He served as assistant program manager (APM) for Post Delivery in support of five Virginia class submarines.

In September 2009, he deployed to Iraq as chief engineer in charge of jamming systems in support of Counter IED efforts.

In August 2010, Rucker transitioned to the Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office (PMS394) serving as the APM for New Acquisitions.

In May 2013, he was selected to be the Military Assistant for the Undersecretary for Defense for Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics (USD (AT&L)) serving in that job until July 2014. He then reported to PMS450 as APM for New Construction & Test and led construction and test efforts of 12 submarines.

In 2016, Rucker assumed command as program manager for Unmanned Maritime Systems (PMS406), responsible for unmanned maritime systems across both the Surface and Undersea domains. In summer 2018, he assumed command as Program Manager for the Columbia Class Submarine Program (PMS397), the Navy’s number one acquisition program. 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.

In May 2022, Rucker was promoted to Rear Admiral lower half and in June 2022 he became program executive officer for Attack Submarines (PEO SSN) leading seven programs, offices and directorates across all fast attack submarines and associated systems development, design, construction, testing, and life cycle sustainment.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (five awards). He is a member of several Honors Societies and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia.

Last Updated: 3 June 2022