CAPT Derek A. Rader

CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, AFLOAT TRAINING GROUP (ATGPAC)

07 August 2025 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 served as both the Weapons (WEPS) and Combat Systems Officer (CSO) as a commissioning member onboard USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111). As Executive Officer and Commanding Officer (CO) onboard USS DECATUR (DDG 73) he completed a FIFTH/SEVENTH Fleet, and surge deployment. His most recent at-sea tour was the CO of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) THREE (USVRON-3). Prior to reporting to being assigned to Afloat Training Group Pacific (ATGPAC) Captain Rader served as the MAKIN ISLAND Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) Chief Staff Officer for Amphibious Squadron SEVEN (CPR-7) deployed to SEVENTH Fleet with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the first for an ARG/MEU team in over 20 years.

Ashore, Captain Rader served as the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) for Commander Surface Development Group-ONE (CSDG-1) and Naval Weapons Technical Liaison and Deputy Department Head for Functional Integration at the Center for Surface Combat Systems headquarters (CSCS) in Dahlgren, Virginia and N3/7 Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) lead at Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center (SMWDC).

His personal decorations include four 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.