Capt. Stephen W. Aldridge
Commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26
31 August 2021
Captain Stephen W. Aldridge 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.
Captain Aldridge’s at sea assignments include First Lieutenant and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in USS BARRY (DDG 52), Reactor Mechanical Division Officer in USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), Operations Officer in USS STOUT (DDG 55), and Reactor Training Assistant in USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Captain Aldridge served as Executive Officer in USS MASON (DDG 87) from August 2015 to October 2016 and commanded MASON from February 2017 to September 2018. While serving in 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 from May 2019 until May 2021. During these tours, he deployed overseas six times and operated in the European, Africa, Central, and Pacific Command areas of responsibility. Captain Aldridge reported to Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX in August 2021 as Deputy Commodore and took command of Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX in July 2022. As Commodore, he also serves as the Sea Combat Commander for Carrier Strike Group TEN embarked in USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77).
Ashore, Captain 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 staff in the Executive Office of the President where he was responsible for U.S. strategic capabilities policy and Asia-Pacific defense policy.
Captain Aldridge’s personal awards and decorations include the Presidential Service Badge, Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon, and various unit commendations, campaign medals, and service ribbons.