Cmdr. Glenn Atherton
Commanding Officer, Beachmaster Unit Two
13 January 2026
Cmdr. 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. Cmdr. Atherton is also a graduate of the US Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island, receiving a Master of Art in Defense and Strategic Studies; additionally, he has earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler Business School.
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 then served his department head tours onboard USS LABOON (DDG 58) as the Weapons Officer and then Combat Systems Officer. Following his department head tours, Commander Atherton joined the staff of Commander Carrier Strike Group FOUR as the Ballistic Missile Defense Officer and Senior CRUDES Assessor. He was the last Executive Officer of USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), leading the Gunslingers through their final deployment and decommissioning process. Most recently he has served as Executive Officer of Beachmaster Unit TWO since August of 2024.
Cmdr. 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 Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal (two awards), the Antarctic Service Medal, and the Department of Transportation Meritorious Unit Citation for service in New York City on September 11
th.