Rear Admiral Ron Piret, USN

Admiral Piret currently serves as the Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) at Stennis Space Center, is the Oceanographer of the United States Navy, and Hydrographer of the United States Navy.  The NMOC mission is to define and apply the physical environment, from the bottom of the ocean to the stars, to ensure that the U.S. Navy has the freedom of action to deter aggression, maintain freedom of the seas and win wars.

Commander, Naval Meteorology & Oceanography Command, Oceanographer, Navigator & Hydrographer of the Navy & Naval Deputy to National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Rear Adm. Piret is a native of Chico, Calif., and graduated in 1993 from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Oceanography. He holds master’s degrees in oceanography and meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, R.I., where he graduated with distinction.

Upon commissioning, Piret served in various operational positions, most notably aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS HERALD as the Operations Officer, and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), where he served as the Meteorologist and Oceanographer (METOC) during a deployment in the Western Pacific.

Ashore, he served as forecast duty officer at Naval European Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Rota, Spain; tactical hydrographic and meteorological officer at the Royal Navy School of Maritime Operations, HMS Dryad, Southwick, England; associate chairman of the Oceanography Department at the U.S. Naval Academy; deputy director of Operations for Expeditionary Warfare, Naval Oceanography Operations Command; executive officer, Naval Oceanography Operations Command; deputy assistant chief of staff for Requirements, Programs and Assessments, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command; arctic affairs officer for the Oceanographer of the Navy onboard the Chief of Naval Operations Staff; fellow to the Naval Command College Class of 2017, Naval War College’s Senior Officer International Program; commanding officer, Naval Oceanographic Office; and chief of staff, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.

Piret commanded the Provincial Reconstruction Team Uruzgan in southern Afghanistan working alongside multinational and interagency partners in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Additionally, Piret commanded the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi overseeing the operation of the Navy’s six T-AGS survey vessels.

Piret assumed command of Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and simultaneously became the Oceanographer of the Navy, Navigator of the Navy, and Hydrographer of the Navy in July of 2021.

Personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.