Twenty-six years after he graduated boot camp at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Cmdr. Rich Huth returned to assume the duties and responsibilities as RTC's executive officer, June 30.

Huth relieved Cmdr. Kertreck Brooks, who will move on to Millington, Tennessee, to serve as deputy director of Distribution Management (PERS-45B) at Navy Personnel Command.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to help so many recruits start their naval careers successfully because of what the Navy has done for me," said Huth. "The Navy's given me many opportunities to succeed and I've taken advantage of those along the way. It's so motivating coming in every morning and seeing the divisions marching up and down the street and listening to their cadence."

While in boot camp in 1989, Huth was in a 900 staff division that assisted with the reception and VIP room following his graduation ceremony.

"I attended a graduation here last month and I told the recruits in the reception room that I was in their shoes 26 years ago, doing the same thing, and in the same position," he recalled. "The potential for growth and opportunity in the Navy is truly exceptional."

After completing basic training, Huth attended Fire
Controlman "A" School in Great Lakes, Illinois, and Aegis Fire Control Systems/Operational Readiness Test System "C" School in Dahlgren, Virginia, then reported to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66). He deployed with the ship in support of Operation Provide Promise and Operation Deny Flight.

In 1995, Huth graduated from the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1998, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree in engineering science and was commissioned through the NROTC program.

As a surface warfare officer, Huth returned to sea duty in 1999, aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) and deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch. He later deployed with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) during Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2002, he reported to Navy Recruiting District Nashville, Tennessee, serving as Enlisted Programs department head and was re-designated as a human resources officer.

In 2005, Huth reported to Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and transferred in 2007 to Navy Manpower Analysis Center in Millington, where he managed the Navy's Enlisted and Officer Occupational Classification Systems.

The commander's other assignments included Production Management Office in 2009, and serving as Enlisted Programs officer, Officer Programs officer, and deputy Commander at Navy Recruiting Region West from from 2011-2013.

His most recent assignment was as director of Operation Analysis Division for Navy Recruiting Command.

Huth said he plans to have a strong presence on base by making regular rounds to meet the staff in various departments, as well as having the opportunity to motivate the recruits.

"Being out and about is a big part of what I want to do," he said. "I appreciate the vast amount of work the staff puts in here on a day-to-day basis."

For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/ .