BLUEFIELD, Va. — A Graham High School graduate has achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Navy, a career milestone since the rank comprises less than one percent of Navy personnel.
Capt. Ralph Stephens, a graduate of Graham High School, was promoted to his current rank on August 1, according to an announcement Friday from the United States Special Operations Command. Stephens’ achievement is the culmination of more than 32 years in the Navy, both in the enlisted and officer ranks.
Stephens is the Commander of the Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Field Office of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). He leads a 21-person team responsible for facilitating and delivering DISA services and capability support to USSOCOM and its components, the 6th Air Mobility Wing and subordinate units.
Stephens said he grew up in Springville, Virginia, and graduated from Graham High School in 1990.
He enlisted in the US Navy in August 1990 as a radioman and spent most of his career deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, according to the announcement.
During his first postings as an enlisted sailor, he served aboard the USS McClusky (FFG 41), Naval Computer Telecommunications Station Far East, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and USS Falcon kitten (CV 63).
He earned his commission through the Limited Duty Officer Program in August 2002 and continued his Indo-Pacific experience with fleet assignments aboard USS george washington (CVN 73) and Commander Carrier Strike Group 5/CTF 70 embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
His shore assignments include the UK Defense Academy (Personnel Exchange Scheme), Naval Computer Telecommunications Area Main Station, Pacific, Al Asad Air Base Command Group, Iraq, Navy Cyber Forces, Naval Network Warfare Command, and Naval Information Forces.
“I joined the Navy to have opportunities that only the military could give me,” Stephens said. “I originally thought I would do four years, get my GI Bill and go to college. However, I fell in love with the Navy and never looked back. The Navy has given me so many opportunities, both professionally and personally, that can never be replaced: training, education, traveling around the world and working with a diverse workforce. may be reproduced in no other company, town or city.
Stephens credits her success to her incredible network of friends, family and mentors.
“Growing up in a small rural town in southwest Virginia taught me that strong family and friendships produce lifelong benefits, and my community has contributed greatly to who I am today” , Stephens said. “I want to specifically thank my wife (Mie) who passed away in 2019 from cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family and without her I know I wouldn’t be here today to be promoted to captain. My two boys (Brad and Garrett), your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. and to the following families, friends and teachers, I owe an enormous debt of gratitude for my success: Mr. John Thompson, the Bailey family, the Farris family, the Dalton family and my teachers Mrs. Harry and Mr. Guillianwater. To all of you, I am truly grateful for your care, love and support.
DISA is the nation’s premier information technology combat support agency and a trusted provider to connect and protect the warfighter in cyberspace. USSOCOM synchronizes special operations planning and provides special operations forces to support the persistent, networked, and distributed operations of global combatant commands to protect and advance our nation’s interests.
— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
