Capt. Pete Riebe is a native of Arlington, Washington.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1990 and completed Electrician’s Mate “A” School and Nuclear Power School before receiving an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned his commission in 1996 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1998. He holds a master’s degree in global leadership from the University of San Diego and is a graduate of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) course, located at NAS Fallon, Nevada. 

Riebe assumed command of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) May 18, 2023. 

Riebe’s operational assignments include commanding officer, USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and executive officer, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).  His squadron tours include command of the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 and executive officer of the “Seahawks” of HSM 41, flying the MH-60R.  Previous tours flying the SH-60B include his Department Head tour with the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, Training Officer tour with the “Scorpions” of HSL 49, instructor tour with the “Seahawks” of HSL 41, and his junior officer tour with the “Wolf Pack” of HSL 45. He’s deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terror.  

Riebe served ashore on the Joint Staff in the J-5 Directorate initially as the Iraq desk officer and then as executive assistant to the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East).  Additionally, he served as executive assistant to the Commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet.   

Capt. Riebe completed the Aviation Nuclear Officer training pipeline in 2018. He has accumulated more than 3,800 flight hours. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign decorations. 

Last Updated: 22 August 2023