CMDR. Kris Blandin
Executive Officer, Assault Craft Unit Two (ACU 2)
19 November 2025
A native of Boise, Idaho, Cmdr. Blandin enlisted in the Navy in 1997 as a Fire Controlman and served onboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) and USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) as a CIWS Technician. Upon selection to the STA-21 program he graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and was designated as a Surface Warfare Officer in 2007. CDR Blandin also holds a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering and Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.
Cmdr. Blandin's sea assignments include serving as Anti-Terrorism Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75), Damage Control Assistant aboard USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79), Weapons Officer aboard USS ANZIO (CG 68), Administrative Officer and Senior Watch Officer in Amphibious Squadron FOUR (CPR 4), Damage Control Assistant aboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77), and Executive Officer of USS RICHARD M. MCCOOL JR. (LPD 29).
Cmdr. Blandin's shore tours include student assignments to the University of Colorado at Boulder and Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Staff assignments include serving as Operations Officer and Chief Engineer at Afloat Training Group Norfolk. Cmdr. Blandin most recently served as Commanding Officer of Military Sealift Command Ship Support Unit Guam.
Cmdr. Blandin's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), and other various
other personal and unit awards.