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D.C. (NewsDakota.com) Navy Rear Admiral Stuart Munsch a native of Oakes was a guest on Dakota Country Radio with Steve Urness on October 27. Munsch talked about his career and the commissioning of the USS North Dakota nuclear submarine ceremony held Saturday, October 25 in Connecticut.

Munsch served in a submarine during his navy career. He assumed his current duties as Commander of Submarine Group SEVEN and Task Forces 54 and 74 back in June 2013. He is now responsible for deployed submarines and undersea operations in both U.S. Central and Pacific Commands. He is one of several North Dakota natives to reach the rank of Rear Admiral or higher. He talked about his experiences in the Navy and the pride so many people from the state felt as the USS North Dakota was commissioned for sea duty.

Munsch graduated from the Naval Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at Annapolis, he was brigade commander of his class, and an All-American and national champion pistol shooter. Selected for a Rhodes Scholarship, he attended Oxford University and earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He was assigned to four consecutive sea duty assignments, serving in USS Will Rogers (SSBN 659), USS Jefferson City (SSN 759). USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on the staff of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Five, and USS Tucson (SSN 770).

In 1999, Munsch reported ashore to U.S. Pacific Command, where he served in the Plans and Policy Directorate (J5) prior to becoming deputy executive assistant to the Commander. He then was selected for a White House Fellowship and served as special assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Munsch commanded USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) from 2002 to 2005, followed by duty in the Pentagon as the military assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and then as executive assistant to the Director, Submarine Warfare (OPNAV N87).

Munsch then commanded Submarine Development Squadron Five from 2008 to 2010 and returned to the Pentagon to head the Navy Strategy branch (OPNAV N513) and lead the Navy team in development of the Air-Sea Battle Concept. Selected for flag rank, he was reassigned as Deputy Director, Undersea Warfare (OPNAV N97).

Munsch is also a recipient of the U.S. Navy League’s Decatur Award for operational excellence. His awards include the Defense Superior Service.