CAPT Derek A. Rader

Commanding Officer, Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three

15 May 2024 Captain Derek “Toast” Rader is a native of Springfield, Missouri raised in Kansas. He was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program after graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting in 2002. Captain Rader holds a Master of Science in Information Warfare Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and received his Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 with distinction.

After attending Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island, Captain Rader served at sea as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (ASWO) in USS VELLA GULF (CG 72) and completed a FIFTH Fleet deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) prior to reporting to USS McFAUL (DDG 74) as the Training Officer.

Captain Rader concurrently as Weapons (WEPS) and Combat Systems Officer (CSO) while a commissioning member onboard USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111). As Executive Officer and Commanding Officer onboard USS DECATUR (DDG 73) he completed a FIFTH/SEVENTH Fleet and surge deployment. His most recent at-sea tour was with MAKIN ISLAND Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as Chief Staff Officer for Amphibious Squadron SEVEN (CPR-7) during a seven-month deployment to SEVENTH Fleet with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the first for an ARG/MEU team in over 20 years. Captain Rader is now the commissioning Commanding Officer for the Hellhounds of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron THREE (USVRON-3), the US Navy’s first Small USV (sUSV) squadron.

Ashore, Captain Rader served as the Naval Weapons Technical Liaison and Deputy Department Head for Functional Integration at the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS), N3/7 Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) lead for Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center (SMWDC), and Chief Staff Officer to Surface Development Squadron (SURFDEVRON) ONE.

His personal decorations include three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, various unit and campaign ribbons, including four Battle Efficiency awards, and the Distinguished Pistol Shot badge.