Capt. Ruth Lane
Chief of Staff, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center (NIWDC)
17 September 2024
Capt. Lane was raised in Maryland and is a proud daughter of a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer. She commissioned from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography and German minor. She earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from Old Dominion University and master level certificates in Antisubmarine Warfare and Space Systems through Naval Postgraduate School. She reported to Naval Information Warfighting Development Center (NIWDC) as the Chief of Staff in September 2024.
At sea, she earned her Surface Warfare qualification and deployed as 2
nd Division Officer on board USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Additionally, she deployed as the Combat Systems Officer on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Southern Watch. As an oceanographer, she deployed as the Assistant Operations Officer on USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ashore, she transferred to the Meteorology and Oceanography community in 2002 and earned her Information Warfare qualification in 2010. Her tours included Optimum Track Ship Routing Division Officer; Senior Watch Officer and Assistant Operations Officer at Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Command; Protocol and Aide to Commander Second Fleet; Officer in Charge of Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Detachment Atlantic; Force Oceanographer to Commander Naval Expeditionary Combat Command; Requirements Officer for Precise Time and Astrometry (OPNAV N2N6E4); Operational Analyst in the Information Warfare Assessments Division (OPNAV N810); Executive Officer at Fleet Weather Center San Diego; and Naval Deputy to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Interagency, and Policy for the Oceanographer of the Navy (OPNAV N2N6E5).
Her command tours include Director of the U. S. National Ice Center at the Naval Ice Center, where she led her interagency team to earn the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation. Additionally, she served as the Commanding Officer of Farragut Technical Analysis Center at the Office of Naval Intelligence.
Capt. Lane’s awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (eight awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and service awards.