Born in Los Angeles, California, CAPT John Craddock was commissioned through Officer Candidate School after graduating Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1996.

After initial training, CAPT Craddock reported to the USS BUFFALO (SSN 715) home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Serving as Main Propulsion Assistant and Damage Control Assistant, he deployed twice to the Western Pacific and was designated the Submarine Squadron ONE Junior Officer of the Year in 2001.

After graduating the Submarine Officer Advanced Course with

distinction, CAPT Craddock relieved as Engineer Officer on USS ANNAPOLIS (SSN 760) where he completed a Depot Modernization Period and deployed to the Central Command Area of Operations with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group. As Executive Officer on USS BREMERTON (SSN 698), he deployed to the Eastern Pacific, the Western Pacific, and the Central Command Area of Operations.

CAPT Craddock commanded USS SAN JUAN (SSN 751) from December 2014 to April 2017. While in command, the ship deployed to the European Command Area of Operations and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for operations on deployment. The ship also received the Retention Excellence Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Submarine Squadron 12 Battle “E” award for 2016.

Ashore, CAPT Craddock served as a Submarine Officer Detailer, Junior Board Member on the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, Special Assistant to the Director for Officer Personnel and Policy in the Line Locker at Naval Reactors Headquarters, Deputy Nuclear Propulsion Community Manager, and as the Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. He took command of Task Force 69 in April 2021.

CAPT Craddock is authorized to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), and other personal and campaign awards. However, he is most proud of his various unit awards that reflect credit on the successful teams he served with and the many skilled professionals he was privileged to work alongside.