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Profile

Captain Rick Larson enlisted in the Navy in 1991 and was selected for the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program. He attended the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor degree in mathematics.

CAPT Larson received his commission through Officer Candidate School, in December 1996, and attended Nuclear Power School Training. In 1998, he redesignated as a Fleet Support Officer (FSO), specializing in the Space and Electronic Warfare.

In 1998, CAPT Larson’s first assignment as an FSO was at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, Italy, as the Division Officer of the NAVEUR Emergency Action Message Cell for non-strategic nuclear forces, and the Assistant Y2K Officer for NAS Sigonella.

CAPT Larson was then assigned to US Strategic Command in the Modeling and Simulation Operations Branch in the J5 Force Assessments Division as the Functional Manager for a multi-million dollar software development program that integrated all of the USSTRATCOM’s nuclear war game modeling and simulation software. In October 2001, CAPT Larson became a plank owner Information Professional (IP).

In 2002, CAPT Larson attended the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Space Systems Operations, completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I, and awarded the Space Systems Operations Award for Academic Excellence.

Upon graduation, CAPT Larson reported to Commander Destroyer Squadron Fifteen (CDS15) in Yokosuka, Japan, as the C4I Officer/N6 and Common Tactical Picture (CTP) Manager, participating in various joint/combined exercises, and completed his IP Intermediate Qualification and LCDR Sea Milestone tour.

He reported to USSTRATCOM Joint Functional Component Command Global Strike and Integration (JFCC GSI) in March 2007, initially serving as the Functional Manager for a nuclear decision support software toolset, and completed IP Advanced Qualification. He was selected to stand-up USSTRATCOM HQ’s J35 Cyberspace Branch, and served as a Task Force Yankee executive officer for Operation BUCKSHOT YANKEE.

Following his USSTRATCOM tour, CAPT Larson was assigned as the Executive Officer for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Naples, Italy, where he earned his Information Warfare Pin.

In 2012, he assumed duties as the Assistant Chief of Staff (ACoS) C4I Officer/N6 for Commander, Carrier Strike Group Four, where he led training, assessments, and certification of carrier strike groups’ and amphibious readiness groups’ C4I systems and operations; information assurance; and network defense.

In August 2014, he attended the Naval War College senior course and participated in the Halsey Alfa advanced research program, earning a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies and completing JPME Phase II.

Upon graduation in 2015, CAPT Larson was assigned to the Naval Information Forces Command and served as the Navy Space Cadre Advisor, and Deputy ACOS for the Command Information Officer (CIO) directorate.

In July 2018, he reported to Commander, SECOND Fleet as the ACoS for C4I / N6, and was instrumental in the re-establishment of SECOND Fleet and the successful execution of Baltic Operations Exercise.

He then transferred to the Navy Warfare Development Command in July 2019, and served as the ACoS for Information Warfare / N2.

He is currently serving as the Commander, Defense Information Systems Agency Joint Operations Center.

CAPT Larson’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), Good Conduct Medal, as well as several campaign and service awards.

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Sessions

• Theater Session: Principles of C2 to Secure, Operate, and Defend the DODIN Area of Operation, DISA

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