CDR Carlos Otero, USN

Commanding Officer, USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796)

CDR Carlos Otero, a first-generation American and son of two Cuban immigrants, is originally from New York, NY.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in 2003.  He has also completed a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

After initial training, CDR Otero reported to USS JACKSONVILLE (SSN 699) and was assigned various division officer jobs including Chemistry-Radiological Assistant and Assistant Engineer.  He then reported to the United States Naval Academy as an instructor in the Department of Seamanship and Navigation.  CDR Otero deployed to the Western Pacific on USS GREENEVILLE (SSN 772) prior to relieving as Navigator and Operations Officer on USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777), both in Pearl Harbor, HI.  He completed two Western Pacific deployments on NORTH CAROLINA, earning the Commander, Submarine Squadron THREE Tactical White “T” and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.  He then reported to the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron SEVEN, also in Pearl Harbor, as the Operations Officer, managing the training and operations of twelve submarines on two coasts, and the deployment certification of nine submarines for operations in the SEVENTH and FOURTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

CDR Otero served as Executive Officer of USS SAN JUAN (SSN 751), where he completed a deployment of the European Command Area of Responsibility.  During his time, SAN JUAN earned the Commander, Submarine Squadron TWELVE Battle Efficiency “E” and the Golden Anchor award for retention.

Most recently, CDR Otero served on the staff of the Director for Intelligence, Joint Staff (J2) as the Navy Special Projects Officer, advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters regarding the undersea domain.

Although authorized to wear various individual awards, he is most proud of the unit awards that reflect credit on the successful teams he served with and the many skilled professionals he has been privileged to work alongside.

CDR Otero is married to Amber Ludwig, Ph.D., originally from Plano, TX.  She is a graduate of Columbia University and Boston University.  They have two daughters, Lydia Elena and Cecilia Inés.