Cmdr. Glenn Atherton
Executive Officer, Beachmaster Unit TWO
18 September 2024
Commander Atherton is a native of Fishkill, New York and a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, earning his Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations and Technology, and his professional mariner licenses. Commander Atherton is also a graduate of the US Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island, earning a Master of Art in Defense and Strategic Studies; as well as a proud Tarheel, graduating from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler Business School with his Master of Business Administration.
Leaving a career in the commercial maritime industry behind, he first served onboard USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59) as Auxiliaries Officer before fleeting up to Navigator. He served his department head tours onboard USS LABOON (DDG 58) as the Weapons Officer before fleeting up as the Combat Systems Officer. Following his department head tours Commander Atherton then joined the staff of Commander Carrier Strike Group FOUR as the Ballistic Missile Defense Officer and Senior CRUDES Assessor. Most recently he served as the last Executive Officer of USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), leading the Gunslingers through their final deployment and decommissioning process.
Commander Atherton’s initial shore duty was as the Assistant Officer in Charge of Counter Rocket Artillery Mortar (C-RAM) SEVEN Joint Intercept Battery ONE in Baghdad Iraq. He has also served as the Director of Force Enlisted Manning for Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Army Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit and campaign medals. His civilian awards include the Department of Transportation Meritorious Unit Citation, the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal (two awards), and the Antarctic Service Medal.