Cmdr. Rich C. Eytel
Commanding Officer, USS Stout (DDG 55)
28 January 2021
Cmdr. Rich Eytel is a native of West Orange, New Jersey, and a 2003 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned his commission and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics. He also holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Navy War College.
Eytel’s sea duty assignments include: Division Officer tours as Damage Control Assistant aboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47) and Navigator aboard USS Monterey (CG 61); Operations Officer aboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66); Operations Officer Destroyer Squadron 22; Executive Officer USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); and most recently, he assumed command of USS Stout (DDG 55).
Ashore, Eytel’s assignments include Seamanship and Navigation Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy; Action Officer on the OPNAV N3N5 staff; and Deputy Fleet Scheduler at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
Eytel’s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards