BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. – Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Ballston Spa, responsible for training nuclear operators for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, held a change of command Feb. 12, 2026. Capt. Le Andra Kissinger relieved Capt. James Diefenderfer as commanding officer.
Diefenderfer, a native of Bear, Delaware, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, assumed command of NPTU Ballston Spa in September 2021. His leadership was instrumental in the command commencing its Student Training and Certification Mission after a 7.5-year hiatus. This crucial return to mission was enabled by the completion of the Submarine 8th generation General Electric, S8G,prototype refueling overhaul, and the defueling of the MARF...
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Apr. 3, 2025) – Director of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Adm. Bill Houston, who completed his Submarine Command Course training on Collins-class submarine HMAS Rankin in 2007, and Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, a 2003 graduate of the U.S. Navy Submarine Command Course, embarked USS Montana (SSN 794) for a combined operational familiarization opportunity at sea,...
Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston, responsible for training nuclear operators for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, held a change of command May 31. Capt. Robert Rose relieved Capt. Gregory Koepp as Commanding Officer, Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston.
