Capt. Nathan P. Melicharek
Deputy Commodore, Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic
23 February 2026
Captain Melicharek is a native of Fair Oaks, California. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees from University of California, Berkeley in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate school in August 2002.
In 2003, he reported to USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58), fulfilling the role as Strike Officer. He completed one deployment in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. While onboard he earned his Surface Warfare Officer Insignia, Officer of the Deck qualification, and Engagement Control Officer qualification. Following completion of Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training Unit in 2006, he reported to USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and served as Reactor Controls Division Officer. He completed one Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf Deployment. While onboard, he completed the Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer course.
In 2008, CAPT Melicharek transferred to the US Navy Reserve. His first tour in the Navy Reserve was with Command Naval Forces Korea where he served as Weapons Officer. In 2011, he reported to Expeditionary Port Unit 117 and served as the Admin Officer and the Executive Officer. In 2013, he was selected as a detachment OIC for Cargo Afloat Rig Team III. In 2016 he joined the Office of Naval Research, serving as the unit Admin Officer and project lead for the High Efficiency Thin Film Photovoltaic Project. In 2018, CAPT Melicharek was selected as Commanding Officer for Littoral Combat Ship Mine Counter Measure Houston, supporting Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. In 2021, he took command of Expeditionary Port Unit 103, supporting Military Sealift Command Atlantic. In 2023, he took command of Surface Development Squadron One HQ. In 2024 he took command of Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Great Lakes Illinois. He is currently serving as the Deputy for Commander, Naval Surface Group, Mid-Atlantic.
His personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (2) and the Navy Achievement Medal (3).