Rear Adm. Kurt J. Rothenhaus is a native of New York City, New York. He received his commission in 1992 upon graduating from the University of South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He also earned a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and transferred into the Engineering Duty Officer community in 2003.

He assumed command of the Office of Naval Research as the 27th Chief of Naval Research in June 2023.

From May 2020 until May 2023, he served as Program Executive Officer, Command Control Computers Communications and Intelligence (PEO C4I).

His operational assignments include serving as the combat systems/C5I officer on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and chief engineer on USS O’Brien (DD 975). Additionally, he served on the staff of Destroyer Squadron 15 and on USS Fife (DD 991). He completed an Individual Augmentee tour in Baghdad, Iraq.

He completed numerous acquisition tours including, program manager for the Navy’s Tactical Networks Program Office (PMW-160) and commanding officer of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific. He also served as the deputy program manager for the Navy Communications and GPS Program Office (PMW/A 170).

He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and various unit and sea service awards.

Last Updated: 3 May 2024