RADM Jonathan (Jon) Rucker is from Vienna, Virginia. He graduated Magna cum Laude from Duke University and NROTC in 1994 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Rucker reported to his first submarine, USS LOUISVILLE (SSN 724) in 1995. He later served as an Assistant Professor and Officer in Charge at the NROTC Unit at Duke University while earning an MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, Chapel Hill.

In 2001, he reported to USS SAN FRANCISCO (SSN 711) as the Combat Systems Officer and Quality Assurance Officer, before being selected for the Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) program. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating in 2005 with a Naval Engineer’s Degree and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

Rucker then 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 includes 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. Rucker also deployed in 2009 to Iraq as Chief Engineer in charge of jamming systems in support of Counter Improvised Electronic Device (IED) efforts.

His first flag assignment, in 2022, was the Program Executive Officer for Attack Submarines, leading seven programs, offices and directorates. 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: 27 April 2026