Captain Nathan Luther

COMMODORE

Commander, Submarine Squadron 17

Capt. Nathan Luther is a native of Sacramento, California. He graduated with distinction from Stanford University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He also holds a Master of Arts in Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India, and a Master of Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His sea tours include division officer assignments on USS Toledo (SSN 769), Engineer Officer on USS LA Jolla (SSN 701), and executive officer on USS Nevada (SSBN 733) gold crew. He commanded USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) blue crew, completing three strategic deterrent patrols and earning the 2020 U.S. Strategic Command Omaha Trophy and Submarine Squadron 17 Battle Efficiency Award.

His shore assignments include the Olmsted Scholar Program; the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; director for special operations on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; deputy commander at Submarine Squadron 17; and chief of the Nuclear Operations Division on the Joint Staff. He currently serves as the commander of Submarine Squadron 17.

The Naval Submarine League has recognized him with the 2015 Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Professional Excellence and the 2021 Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and Excellence of Command.