Captain Benjamin E. Allen, USN
Born in Washington, North Carolina and raised in Newport News, Virginia, Captain Allen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961 and was commissioned an Ensign. He qualified as a Naval Aviator in November 1962 He reported to Attack Squadron Eighty-Five after completing training as a fleet replacement pilot and flew from USS Forrestal (CV-59) with Carrier Air Wing Eight.
In September 1965 Captain Allen transferred to the surface navy and reported for duty in USS Boston (CG-1), homeported in Boston, Massachusetts, where he served as Electronics Material Officer, Combat Information Officer, and Senior Air Intercept Controller. Subsequent assignments in surface ships include: USS Barry (DD-933) homeported in Newport, Rhode Island in which he was the Operations Officer for her recommissioning following ASW moderniration; Operations Officer of USS Horne (CG-30); Executive Office of USS Halsey (CG-23); and Commanding Officer of USS Waddell (DDG-24), all based in San Diego, California. He made three deployments to the Mediterranean and four to the Far East. He commanded USS Biddle from 12 June 1986 to October 1988.
Captain Allen's shore duty assignments include staff of the Deputy Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force, Pacific, and two tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations where he previously served as Head of the Combat Systems Support and Surface Strike Warfare Branches in the Surface Combat Systems Division. Decorated for a long career of distinguished service, Captain Allen's military awards include the Legion bf Merit, two Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy unit Commendation and various service ribbons and medals. In addition he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1973.
After relief as commanding officer, Captain Allen returned to the Staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.
