CDR Kyle Johnson
Commanding Officer, USS Indiana (SSN 789)
CDR Kyle Johnson, a native of Hitterdal, MN, graduated from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He earned his commission following completion of OCS in September 2007, and has subsequently completed a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University in 2017 and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree from Air Command and Staff College in 2020.
Upon completion of the initial submarine training pipeline in 2009, he reported to USS MAINE GOLD (SSBN 741) as a Division Officer. During this tour he completed five strategic deterrent patrols. In 2012, he transferred to TRIDENT Training Facility Bangor as a PNEO instructor.
After attending Submarine Officer Advanced Course in 2014, he reported to Pearl Harbor to serve as Navigator and Operations Officer onboard USS COLUMBUS (SSN 762). While onboard, he deployed to the SOUTHCOM AOR in 2015 and WESTPAC in 2017. During this tour, he conducted 3 Panama Canal transits and an inter-fleet change of homeport for an Engineered Overhaul. He then served as the Squadron Operations Officer for COMSUBRON SEVEN.
Kyle reported as Executive Officer on USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) in October 2020 after completing Submarine Command Course. During his tour, SEAWOLF completed a 2021 short-notice Pacific Fleet Surge Deployment and an extended Western Pacific Deployment in 2022. SEAWOLF was awarded the 2020, 2021, and 2022 COMSUBDEVRON FIVE Battle “E” awards as well as the 2021 Retention Excellence award and Pacific Fleet Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award. Following his tour on SEAWOLF, he reported to the TYCOM Readiness Evaluation team in Pearl Harbor.
He relieved as Commanding Officer on USS INDIANA (SSN 789) in June 2025 and conducted a homeport shift from Groton CT to Pearl Harbor HI via the Arctic.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (1 award).