CDR Stephen Szachta Jr.

Past Executive Officer, USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115)

08 March 2022 Commander Szachta, a native of St. Charles, MO, graduated from the Naval Academy in 2006 earning a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. He completed his initial Division Officer tour aboard USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98) as Ordnance Officer, participating in her maiden deployment to the C6F AOR, as well as deploying to the C4F AOR in support of Counter Narcotics. He completed his second Division Officer tour aboard USS ELROD (FFG 55) as Damage Control Assistant, deploying to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Counter Piracy. His Department Head tours included Chief Engineer aboard USS PREBLE (DDG 88) where he deployed to the C7F AOR and Chief Engineer aboard USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71), where he was a key leader in placing the ship in the CG Modernization/Surface Life Extension Program.

After being selected for early command and completing the command training pipeline, he had the privilege of commanding USS MONSOON (PC 4) homeported in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During his two-year command tour MONSOON was highly operational performing critical missions in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. His crew won the Battle “E” for 2018.

Ashore he completed a two-year curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with distinction earning a Master of Science in Systems Engineering as well as completing JPME Phase I. Additionally he served as a Leadership and Navigation/Seamanship instructor at the Naval Academy.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (third award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), and various unit and individual awards.