Captain Neil Steinhagen

Commander, Submarine Squadron 15

Originally from Clinton, Iowa, CAPT Steinhagen enlisted in the NAVY in 1992. After being accepted into the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program, he graduated in 1999 from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has since earned a Master’s of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

After completing nuclear and submarine training, his sea assignments began in 2000 aboard USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) in Groton, Connecticut. In 2003, he transferred to USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23) to complete new construction and at sea-testing. As a department head, he served as the Operations Officer aboard USS TOLEDO (SSN 769) followed by his Executive Officer tour aboard USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN 757) before commanding USS ILLINOIS (SSN 786). He has deployed overseas four times in support of submarine operations in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and the western Pacific.

Ashore, CAPT Steinhagen’s tours include Commander Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Submarine Squadron Fifteen, and the Joint Staff, J-5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy.

In addition to the Submarine Gold Dolphins, CAPT Steinhagen’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal in addition to several unit awards.