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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS San Antonio (LPD-17)

Captain Randell W. Dykes

Originally from Harrisonville, Missouri, Capt. Randell W. Dykes, earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in 1988. After receiving his commission from Officer Candidate School and completing nuclear power training, he reported for duty on board USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in 1990. During his three-year tour on NIMITZ, he held the positions of Electrical Division Officer and Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant and participated in the 1991 Gulf War deployment.

In 1993, he reported as Shift Engineer at Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina. There he supervised a crew of 50 staff personnel and he was responsible for the training and qualification of Officer and Enlisted students on submarine nuclear propulsion plant operations.

Capt. Dykes graduated from Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School in 1996 and reported to USS HUE CITY (CG 66). After a year as Weapons Officer, he relieved as Combat Systems Officer and completed a 1997 Mediterranean deployment with the JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Group in which HUE CITY was Air Warfare Commander. In 1999, he reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) serving as Reactor electrical Assistant and Assistant Reactor Officer, completing a mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment in 2000.

From 2001 to 2003, he commanded USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6). While on DEVASTATOR, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, DEVASTATOR received the 2002 Battle Efficiency award and multiple Retention Excellence awards during his tenure.

Capt. Dykes completed a two-year tour on the Navy staff in the Strategy and Plans (N5) Division and followed by the completion a Masters Degree in National Resource Strategy while attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).

While serving as Commanding Officer on USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) from 2007 to 2008, he completed a successful deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of CTF-150, CTF-152 and EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group. Additionally, Capt. Dykes led the successful installation and testing of the Navy's Ballistic Missile Defense System in RAMAGE.

Most Recently, Capt. Dykes completed a 28 month tour as Reactor Officer on board USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) completing a complex overhaul and test program followed by a highly successful Arabian Gulf Deployment.

Capt. Dykes served on the staff of the Secretary of Defense in Major Program acquisition prior to reporting aboard USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) as the Commanding Officer.

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