Cmdr. Richard R. Rivas

Chief Staff Officer, Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG-2)

06 December 2023

As a 2006 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Commander Rivas earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. 

A career surface warfare officer, Commander Rivas’ shipboard assignments include: Main Propulsion Division Officer aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5), Training Officer aboard USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41), First Lieutenant aboard USS OAK HILL (LSD 51), Training and Readiness lead (N7) for Amphibious Squadron FOUR, and Executive Officer aboard USS NEW YORK (LPD 21). During his first department head tour he was Amphibious Squadron FOUR’s awardee for “Junior Officer Award for Excellence in Tactics” and a COMNAVSURFLANT “Surface Warfare Officer of the Year” nominee.  Ashore, he served as a Naval Science instructor and course coordinator in the Seamanship and Navigation (SEANAV) department at the U.S. Naval Academy and was selected as SEANAV’s nominee for the “Apgar Award for Excellence in Teaching”. He completed his Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor production tour as the Operations Officer, Instructor Development Officer, and Learning Standards Division Supervisor for Expeditionary Warfare Training Group – Atlantic (EWTGLANT) in Norfolk, Virginia.  While attending P-XO school, Commander Rivas was chosen as the “VADM John D. Bulkeley Distinguished Graduate” for his inspirational leadership, professional acumen, and technical proficiency.

Commander Rivas earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and Joint Professional Military Education Phase I from the U.S. Naval War College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (1), Navy Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal (2), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.