Commander, Undersea Surveillance

 
Virginia Beach, VA
 
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CDR Craig Hempeck

Chief Staff Officer

CDR Hempeck began his naval career in 1992 enlisting from Brandon, Mn into the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program as a Reactor Operator. After completing training in Orlando, FL and Idaho Falls, ID he attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI. Following graduation in 1995, CDR Hempeck attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with distinction in 1999 with Bachelors of Science in Systems Engineering.

Following completion of the submarine training pipeline in November 2000, CDR Hempeck reported on board USS ALBANY (SSN 753). He conducted one Mediterranean deployment and depot modernization period.

In July 2003, CDR Hempeck reported to The George Washington University, Reserve Officer Training Command as part of the Washington D.C. Navy Intern Program. While there he earned a Masters of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and served internships at the State Department, Joint Staff, and OPNAV Staff.

In February 2006, he served as Engineer on board USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734 Gold) where he completed four Strategic Patrols and one extended refit.

In October 2008, CDR Hempeck was assigned to the staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the USW/ASW Requirements Officer.

In November 2010, he became the first Executive Officer of the Pre-Commissioning Unit MINNESOTA (PCU 783). During his tour he stood up the crew and all ship board programs as well as overseeing the initial testing of all ship systems onboard MINNESOTA.

In August 2012, CDR Hempeck was assigned to the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group TEN serving as the Submarine Operations Officer completing a EUCOM/CENTCOM deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In August 2015, he was assigned to Undersea Warfare Division on the staff of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force; serving as the Section Head for USW Weapons and Expendables before assuming duties as the ACOS for USW Systems in June 2016.

In June 2017, CDR Hempeck was assigned to Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Whidbey Island serving as the Executive Officer fleeting-up to Commanding Officer in October 2018 serving to April 2020. NOPF WI earned the Battle “E” Award for IUSS excellence in 2019.

Commander Hempeck now serves as the Chief Staff Officer for Commander Undersea Surveillance located at Dam Neck, VA.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) along with various campaign and unit awards.