Rear Adm. Huan Nguyen, Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) deputy commander for Cyber Engineering and Digital Transformation, retired from the U.S. Navy today at a riverside ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. Rear Adm. Mike Richman relieved Nguyen.
Nguyen, a native from Hua Vietnam, is the first Vietnamese-American promoted to the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy. He is widely recognized for both his military and civilian achievements in the field of engineering.
NAVSEA’s Commander Vice Admiral Bill Galinis said, “NAVSEA, I – and many others – have had an opportunity to witness how you have personified your mantra of “Service before self. Your service has honored your family, your NAVSEA team, and our country Huan. You have a lot to be proud of.”
Galinis presented Nguyen with the Legion of Merit Award (in lieu of third gold star) for standing up NAVSEA’s Cyber Engineering and Digital Transformation Directorate. “Huan’s efforts have led NAVSEA to adapt, modernize, and accelerate our efforts across the digital domain … a space that is vitally important in today’s era of Great Power Competition and key to our mission priority to deliver ships, submarines, and systems reliably and on-time,” Galinis said.
While fleeing his home country of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, Nguyen had his first encounter with Sailors and Marines who were assisting refugees and he has said that seminal moment fueled his desire to serve in the United States Navy. “Huan comes from a family of service, Galinis said. “These early experiences serve as the foundation for Huan’s love of country and his sense of service.”
In his farewell address, Nguyen told his cyber team he was confident in their ability to lead the Navy in anticipating what the future needs and to be the champions of cyber security that our country needs. “I’m thankful for what you do every day. Your passion, hard work and determination is what makes NAVSEA and ultimately our Navy the best in the world,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and received a direct commission with the Reserve Engineering Duty Officer program. He holds master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University, engineering from Purdue University, and Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with highest distinction. Recently, Nguyen was inducted into the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Hall of Fame and was awarded the Melvin R. Lohmann Medal, OSU’s highest honor.
Nguyen’s operational tours include test officer and officer-in-charge of Detachment 113 at Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan. Nguyen served as executive officer and chief engineer for Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) field office in Camp Victory, supporting Multi-National Corps Iraq, where he was instrumental in the stand-up of Joint CREW Composite Squadron One. With Task Force Paladin and the Combined Explosive and Exploitation Cell, Nguyen supported Combined Forces Command Afghanistan as CREW engineer.