CAPT Peter D. French

Chief of Staff, Carrier Strike Group TEN

CAPT French graduated from the University of Miami in 1999 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned following completion of Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. While in the Navy, he earned a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master’s degree in Military Studies from the Marine Corps University.

At sea, he completed his Division Officer tour onboard USS BOISE (SSN 764), served as Engineer Officer onboard USS ALBANY (SSN 753), and on the USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) as the Executive Officer. CAPT French commanded USS COLUMBUS (SSN 762) from September 2017 to May 2020.

CAPT French has served ashore as Submarine Liaison Officer for Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX, attended the Command and Staff College at the Marine Corps University, assigned to the Joint Staff as the Exercise Branch Deputy for the Deputy Director, Conventional Global Force Coordination, and as the Executive Officer of the Tactical Readiness Evaluation Team for Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic.

CAPT French’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).