STEPHEN B. LATTA
DEAN OF ADMISSIONS
Captain Stephen “Bruce” Latta was born in Pensacola, Florida, the son of a Naval Aviator. He entered theNaval Academy and graduated with a degree in Math in June 1978. He attended flight school and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1980.
After initial assignments fleet assignments in VP squadrons, Captain Latta reported to Commander, SEVENTH Fleet embarked on the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) in Yokosuka, Japan. There, he served as ASW Plans Officer and Aide to Commander, SEVENTH Fleet.
After tours to the Bureau of Naval Personnel as a Rating Assignment Officer, and Patrol Squadron Six (VP-6) as a Department Head, Captain Latta reported to Commander, Patrol Wing Two as Operations Officer in August 1992. In June 1993, He joined Commander, Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Current Operations Officer.
Captain Latta served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer in Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) from April 1995 to April 1997. While assigned, the squadron deployed to Misawa, Japan and supported dual Battlegroup operation during the China-Taiwan crisis. The squadron was also recognized as theBattle”E” winner, the AVCM Donald M. Neal “Golden Wrench” winner for maintenance, and CNO Safety Award winner.
After a tour in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as the EA to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy (DASD(MPP)), Captain Latta reported to Commander, Maritime and Surveillance Forces,U.S.Sixth Fleet as the Chief of Staff in August 1999. Almost immediately, he oversaw the first real world ASW prosecution in the Mediterraneanin nearly 10 years, initial P-3 support to Operation JOINT GUARDIAN, and the integration of new technologies to Mediterranean operations.
In June 2000, Captain Latta assumed command of Training Air Wing Four in Corpus Christi,Texas. During his tenure, he sponsored several initiatives that reduced time to train by over 15%, ran two successful unit detachments, and co-authored a long-term procurement roadmap for training aircraft. Over 1800 student aviators trained with nearly 250,000 accident free flight hours executed.
In June 2002, Captain Latta reported to the Naval Academy as Director of Admissions and later as Vice Dean of Admissions. His tenure oversaw several initiatives including the establishment of an electronic admissions process, office realignment to improve efficiency, development of a marketing program, and expansion of the Academy’s outreach efforts to attract the young men and women who are reflective of society and meet the needs of the naval service. In November 2006, Captain Latta, USN, Retired, was selected Dean of Admissions of theUnited StatesNavalAcademy.
Awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Naval Commendation Medals, as well as various service awards.