CDR Jared Shrader

Executive Officer, USS Benfold (DDG 65)

09 January 2026

Commander Jared Shrader is a native of Lewisburg, PA. He achieved a double major in Psychology and Neuro-Philosophy from Elizabethtown College prior to enlisting as an Electrician’s Mate and attending the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. Upon successful completion of Nuclear Power School he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI, from which he received a commission in July, 2009.

Afloat, Commander Shrader completed his division officer tours as a Strike and Auxiliaries Officer aboard USS PORT ROYAL (CG73) and Damage Control Assistant aboard USS GUARDIAN (MCM5) and USS WARRIOR (MCM10). More recently, Commander Shrader served as Chief Engineer aboard USS DECATUR(DDG73) (partial tour/emergent hot-fill), USS SPRUANCE (DDG111), and USS SAN JACINTO (CG56), completing 4 deployments to INDOPACOM, CENTCOM, and AFRICOM.

In lieu of a post-division officer shore tour, Commander Shrader was selected for a personnel exchange tour with the Federal German Navy as Unterwasserwaffenjagtoffizier (ASWO) aboard FGS SACHSEN (F219). During his post-Department Head tour, Commander Shrader served as SWOS N761, responsible for the administration and operation of the Advanced Division Officer Course and the International Surface Warfare Officer School. He recently graduated with distinction from the Naval War College’s College of Naval Command and Staff. In his free time, he enjoys wooden boat restoration, caving, sailing, playing traditional Irish music,mountaineering, adventure motorcycling, off-roading, and coastal distance swimming. He is unmarried and without children.

Commander Shrader’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (silver star), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two gold stars), as well as multiple unit and service awards.

Commander Shrader is currently serving as Executive Officer onboard USS BENFOLD (DDG65).