CDR Larry Arbuckle

Commanding Officer, Blue Crew, USS Alabama

Commander Arbuckle received a degree in Physics from the Florida Institute of Technology prior to being commissioned at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. Following the nuclear officer training pipe-line, CDR Arbuckle was assigned to the USS Nevada (Gold) where he completed five strategic patrols and served in various division officer billets.

Following his first sea tour, CDR Arbuckle attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Defense Analysis, specializing in special operations and low intensity conflict. After completing his graduate work, CDR Arbuckle was assigned to the U.S. Third Army's Area Support Group-Kuwait, where he served as the Provost Marshall from October 2009 to July 2010. In this role he was responsible for all U.S. military police and base security operations in Kuwait.

After completing his individual augmentee tour CDR Arbuckle graduated from the Submarine Officer Advanced Course, and was assigned as Engineer Officer aboard USS Louisville. During his time on Louisville he completed two Western Pacific deployments and the majority of a dry-docking selected restricted availability. He then reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations to serve as the executive assistant to the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities division (OPNAV N2N6F2).

Following his tour at the Pentagon, CDR Arbuckle completed the submarine command course and was assigned as the Executive Officer aboard USS Jacksonville. There he completed two deployments supporting national and theater security requirements, one to the western pacific and one to the US 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

After completing his executive officer tour, CDR Arbuckle served as the at sea operational assessment and training support officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In this role he led multiple initiatives to further the operational readiness of the Submarine Force.

CDR Arbuckle served as the commanding officer of USS Kentucky (Blue), home ported in Bangor, WA. While in command he completed three strategic deterrence patrols, and a commander’s evaluation test. Following command, CDR Arbuckle reported as the deputy commander of Submarine Squadron Seventeen.

CDR Arbuckle's awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Battle “E” awards and various other personal and unit awards.