Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson, USN

Class of 1977

Rear Admiral Stephen E. Johnson is from Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1977 with degrees in Accounting and Information Management. He received his commission through the NROTC Program.

Rear Admiral Johnson became the 12th Director of Strategic Systems Programs in May 2006. He is responsible for all aspects of research, development, production, logistics, storage, repair and operational support of the Navy’s TRIDENT II Strategic Weapon System. He is also the U.S. Project Officer responsible for managing U.S. Government support of the British TRIDENT Force.

Prior to assuming his present duties, Rear Admiral Johnson served as the Director, Undersea Technology, Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 073) and as Commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center. As such, he was responsible for the Navy's full-spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support center for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, and offensive and defensive weapons systems associated with undersea warfare.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Johnson was assigned as the Seawolf Program Manager from April 1998 to January 2003. Milestones achieved during his tenure included delivery of USS CONNECTICUT, completion of Post Shakedown Availabilities and Operational Evaluations for USS SEAWOLF and CONNECTICUT, with both ships making their first deployments.

Rear Admiral Johnson’s most recent sea tour was as Commanding Officer, USS CHICAGO (SSN 721) from November 1992 until May 1995. CHICAGO earned the U.S. Pacific Fleet 1994 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy and the Submarine Squadron Eleven Battle Efficiency "E" for Excellence. CHICAGO also received two consecutive Secretary of the Navy awards for outstanding Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs and two consecutive COMSUBPAC Retention Excellence Awards.

Previous sea tours include Executive Officer, USS BUFFALO (SSN 715), Engineer Officer, USS NATHAN HALE (SSBN 623), and as Weapons Officer, USS BERGALL (SSN 667). Shore tours include assignment as the Tomahawk Requirements Officer at OP-02, CINCPACFLT Flag Lieutenant, and as the Arctic Warfare/Tactics Instructor at the Naval Submarine Training Center, Pacific.

Personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards).