CAPT Gene Severtson is a native of Spring Lake Park, MN and attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating with merit in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Control Systems Engineering. He also holds a Masters of Engineering Management Degree from Old Dominion University.

At sea, CAPT Severtson has served aboard USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730 GOLD), USS DALLAS (SSN 700) as the Combat Systems Officer, and USS FLORIDA (SSGN 728 GOLD) as the Executive Officer. During this tour, FLORIDA participated in Operation ODYSSEY DAWN where she became the first SSGN to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles in conflict. He commanded USS NEVADA (SSBN 733 GOLD). During his time in command, the ship earned numerous unit awards, the Battle “E” Award and the Omaha Trophy as the top performing SSBN in executing the strategic deterrent mission.

Ashore, CAPT Severtson has served as an instructor and as the Executive Assistant to the Weapons & Systems Engineering Department Chair at the United States Naval Academy, Current Operations Branch Chief within the Special Activities Division at US Strategic Command - Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCC-ISR), Unmanned Systems and Future Payloads Branch Head on the staff of Director, Undersea Warfare Division (OPNAV N97), and Head of Tactical Submarine Design on the staff of Director, Undersea Warfare Division (OPNAV N97). 

After transitioning to the Acquisition Professional community, he served as a Principal Acquisition Program Manager at Advanced Undersea Systems (NAVSEA PMS 394) and Submarine Combat and Weapons Control (NAVSEA PMS 425) and Major Program Manager, Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems (NAVSEA PMS 415). He assumed duties as the Major Program Manager for Conventional Prompt Strike in April 2025.

CAPT Severtson’s decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service and unit awards. 

CAPT Severtson enjoys balancing his arduous professional naval career and his love for family, with his passion for endurance sports. As an accomplished triathlete, he routinely competes at the highest level as a member of the All-Navy Marathon, All-Navy Triathlon, and Team USA, all while finding time to coach high school Track & Field.

Last Updated: 31 July 2025