Rear Admiral John W. Stafford
Rear Admiral John Stafford is a Submarine Officer and a 1997 graduate of the Naval Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from USNA and a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.
At sea, Stafford served aboard USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS Topeka (SSN 754), USS Nebraska (BLUE) (SSN 739).
His staff assignments ashore include duty on the Virginia-Class Program PMS 450; Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet, Tactical Readiness Examination Team; U.S. Northern Command, Headquarters J38D Special Activities; Commander Task Force 74 as the deputy chief of staff for Operations N3; Naval Reactors Headquarters in the “Line Locker” and the Chief of Staff for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic in April 2023 to June 2025.
His command assignments include USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) from September 2014 to September 2017 and Commander, Submarine Squadron FOUR from May 2021 to April 2023. He assumed the duties of Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center in June 2025.
Stafford served on Navy teams that have been awarded the Naval Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Battle Efficiency “E” Awards, and the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award.