Rear Adm. Aldridge, a native of Springfield, VA, graduated with merit from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. He also completed the Navy’s nuclear propulsion training program.

Rear Adm. Aldridge’s sea tours include assignments on USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Stout (DDG 55), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Aldridge served as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer aboard USS Mason (DDG 87) from 2015 to 2018. While on Mason, the crew earned the Battenberg Cup for their selection as the best all-around ship or submarine in the Atlantic Fleet. Post command, he served as Truman’s Reactor Officer. Aldridge then served as Deputy Commodore and Commodore of Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX from 2021 to 2023. While Commodore, he served as George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group’s Sea Combat Commander during an 8-month long deployment. During these tours, he deployed overseas seven times and operated in the European, Africa, Central, and Pacific Command areas of responsibility.

Ashore, Aldridge served as Surface Nuclear Assignments Officer (PERS 412N) at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He also served as Director for Defense Policy and Strategy on the National Security Council where he was responsible for U.S. strategic capabilities policy and Asia-Pacific defense policy. Post major command, he served on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in the Plans, Policy, and Integration Directorate (OPNAV N5). Prior to his current assignment, he served as the Executive Officer and Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He assumed duties as Deputy Director, Politico Military Affairs (Asia) on the Joint Staff (J5) in March 2026.

Rear Adm. Aldridge’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon, Battle E (with silver wreath), and various unit commendations, campaign medals, and service ribbons.

Last Updated: 14 September 2026