Cmdr. Ethan A. Reber
Commanding Officer, USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51)
23 January 2025
Commander Ethan Reber, a native of Tampa, Florida, enlisted in the Navy in 1997 as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate. In 2005 CDR Reber graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and was commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program. He graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2012 with a Master of Science in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation.
He holds additional postgraduate certificates in AntiSubmarine Warfare, Space Systems, Nuclear Weapons Effects, and Systems Engineering. CDR Reber is a proven subspecialist in Modeling & Simulation, DAWIA Practitioner certified in the Acquisition Program Management career field, and has completed JPME 1 & 2.
CDR Reber’s sea duty assignments include nuclear propulsion plant operator aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65); First Lieutenant, Engineering Auxiliaries Officer, and Boarding Officer aboard USS Hopper (DDG 70); Training Officer and Administrative Officer aboard USS Monterey (CG 61); Weapons Control Officer and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51); 16
th Commanding Officer of USS Hué City (CG 66); and Executive Officer of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). He assumed duties as Arleigh Burke’s 24
th Commanding Officer in December 2024.
CDR Reber has served ashore as an Advanced Shiphandling and Tactics instructor and program manager at Surface Warfare Officers School Command in the Trainers and Simulation Directorate, and as a Global Force Management analyst and planner at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
CDR Reber’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards. He has been recognized with the Surface Navy Association’s Award for Excellence in Surface Warfare Research; the George L. Phillips Award for Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation; the Navy Marine Association Department Head Leadership Award; and is a Surface Warfare Officers School Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley Distinguished Graduate Award recipient.