Rear Adm. John Stafford is a Submarine Officer and 1997 graduate of the Naval Academy.

At sea, Stafford served aboard USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Topeka (SSN 754), USS Nebraska (BLUE) (SSN 739).

His staff assignments ashore include duty on the Virginia-Class Program PMS 450; Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet; U.S. Northern Command, J38D Special Activities; Commander Task Force 74; Naval Reactors Headquarters; Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

His command assignments include USS Cheyenne (SSN 773); Commander, Submarine Squadron 4; and Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center. He assumed the duties Director of Maritime Operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / Commander, Submarine Group 8 / Commander, Task Force 169 in June 2026.

Last Updated: 6 July 2026