LCDR Christopher R. Hood

Executive Officer, USS Pioneer (MCM 9)

01 August 2024

Lieutenant Commander Hood, a native of Dexter, Missouri, enlisted in February 2003. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State University in 2010 and his MBA from Brenau University in 2012.

He was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer via Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 2013. He earned his PhD in Computer and Information Technology from Purdue University in 2021.

Afloat, he served as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate on both ballistic missile and fast attack submarines, USS MARYLAND (SSBN 738 BLUE) and USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777), respectively.

Post commissioning, he completed division officer tours aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as the Auxiliaries Division Officer, and aboard USS HUE CITY (CG 66) as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. Most recently, he completed his department head tour aboard USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG 115) as the Chief Engineer.

During these tours, he made seven submarine deterrent patrols, one carrier hull swap and subsequent home port shift to FDNF Japan, one east coast deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and numerous 7th Fleet FDNF patrols in support of a free and open INDO-PACIFIC.

Lieutenant Commander Hood’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Stars) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Gold Stars), as well as multiple unit and service awards.