Born in Detroit, MI, CAPT Bridenstine enrolled in the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program, August 1985. Upon completing a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, he received his commission in the Navy via Officer Candidate School, Newport, RI in September 1986.
Following commissioning, CAPT Bridenstine entered the submarine officer nuclear training pipeline. Training in Orlando, FL, Balston Spa, NY and New London, CT culminated in assignment to sea duty onboard USS HENRY L STIMSON (SSBN 655) (GOLD) in June 1988 where he served as Main Propulsion Assistant, Chemistry and Radiological Controls Officer and Communicator. He completed six strategic deterrent patrols and associated refit and off-crew periods.
In December 1991, CAPT Bridenstine volunteered for new construction duty onboard PCU BOISE (SSN 764) at Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA. He served as plankowner Damage Control Assistant through final ship construction and acceptance trials.
In March 1993, he reported to Submarine Training Facility, Norfolk, VA for instructor duty. During this tour he laterally transfered to the Engineering Duty Officer community. In September 1996 he completed a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.
CAPT Bridenstine qualified as an Engineering Duty Officer while stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, ME from 1996 to December 1999. His job assignments included project management of submarine CNO availabilities onboard USS OKLAHOMA CITY (SSN 723) and USS TOLEDO (SSN 769) and assistant Business and Strategic Planning Officer.
In January 2000, CAPT Bridenstine reported to the Program Executive Officer for Submarines, SEAWOLF Program Office in Washington DC where he assumed the role as assistant program manager for design and construction, PCU JIMMY CARTER (SSN 23).
Following three and a half years in Washington, DC, CAPT Bridenstine reported as Maintenance Officer, Regional Support Group, Norfolk, VA. Following waterfront reorganization, he transitioned to Division Head for LHA, LHD and Aircraft Carrier maintenance and modernization at the newly formed Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center.
In March 2006, CAPT Bridenstine reported to the staff of Commander, Fleet Forces Command where he served in the Fleet Maintenance Directorate (N43) as the Submarine Maintenance Branch Head until May 2007 when he transferred to COMSUBFOR as the Maintenance Requirement, Readiness, Improvements Officer (N43) . He remained on the COMSUBFOR staff until transferring to Norfolk Naval Shipyard as the Production Resources Officer in Nov 2009. In Feb 2012, CAPT Bridenstine assumed duties as the 106th Shipyard Commander at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA.
CAPT Bridenstine’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and a number of unit and campaign awards.