Paul A. Povlock

Paul A. Povlock (‘80)— Paul Povlock is the commanding officer of the USS San Francisco, a nuclear submarine, at homeport in Guam. After graduating from Williamsville North High School, Cmdr. Povlock attended the United States Naval Academy where he graduated with distinction in 1984, earning a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering. He went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland. During his department head tour of duty, he served as an officer on the USS Lafayette, the USS Richard B. Russell and the USS Albuquerque, with deployments in the Pacific Ocean and the Northern Atlantic. He also served as a mathematics instructor at the Naval Academy.

In 1996, Cmdr. Povlock reported to the Naval War College where he attended the Command and Staff College, graduating with distinction in June 1997 with an M.S. in National Security and Strategic Studies. He then was assigned as Executive Officer of the USS Philadelphia, after which he reported to the Pentagon where he served as the Navy Branch Chief of the Reconnaissance Operations Division.

Cmdr. Povlock assumed command of the USS San Francisco in May 2002. Cmdr. Povlock is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, the Joint Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.