Captain Wendel Penetrante is a native of San Diego, CA. He attended the University of California, San Diego, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in March 1999 and a U.S. Navy commission through Officer Candidate School in May 2000.
He earned his submarine dolphins while serving on USS BREMERTON (SSN 698) and then attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Additional sea tours include USS KEY WEST (SSN 722) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76). Following his sea tours, Captain Penetrante became an Engineering Duty Officer in 2012.
His engineering duty tours include: Submarine Project Superintendent at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY&IMF); Submarine Repair Officer at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Detachment San Diego; Carrier Deputy Project Superintendent at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF); Production Resources Officer and Waterfront Operations Officer at PHNSY&IMF; Waterfront Operations Officer at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC); Major Program Manager at Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Fleet Readiness Directorate, Installation (FRD 200).
On February 3, 2025, Captain Penetrante assumed command of U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center in Yokosuka, Japan.
His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medals, Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service awards.