CDR Jeffrey Bernhardt
Commanding Officer, USS Mississippi (SSN 782)
CDR Bernhardt graduated from the University of Washington in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Following the initial training pipeline, CDR Bernhardt served on USS GEORGIA (SSGN-729) (GOLD).
He served in a variety of division officer assignments including Assistant Engineer Officer. While on GEORGIA, he completed a CENTCOM deployment and earned the 2008 Commander, Submarine Squadron SIXTEEN Battle Efficiency “E.” Following his Junior Officer tour, CDR Bernhardt reported to Naval Nuclear Power School for duty as a staff instructor.
After completing Submarine Officer Advanced Course, CDR Bernhardt was assigned to USS RHODE ISLAND (SSBN-740) (BLUE) as Engineer Officer. While on RHODE ISLAND, he completed two Strategic Deterrent Patrols and a Change of Homeport to Norfolk, VA for an Engineering Refueling Overhaul.
He then served on the staff of the Director, Naval Nuclear Power, as a Technical Assistant. CDR Bernhardt provided technical support to the Fleet and Naval Reactors Headquarters to ensure operational readiness for all TRIDENT and VIRGINIA-class submarines at sea and Nuclear Power Training Units ashore.
After completing Submarine Command Course, CDR Bernhardt was assigned to USS TEXAS (SSN 775) as Executive Officer. While on TEXAS, he completed a CENTCOM deployment and a Change of Homeport to Portsmouth, VA. While on board, TEXAS was awarded the 2019 Commander, Submarine Squadron ONE Battle Efficiency “E”.
Following his Executive Officer tour, CDR Bernhardt was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 8 as the Chief Staff Officer. He assisted the Commodore in leading 8 Echelon 4 commands and ensuring the Special Operators were ready to deploy.