Deputy Superintendent

Commander Kristine Bench grew up in a Navy family. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. She holds a Master of Science in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School.   
 
At sea, CDR Bench served as the Oceanographer, Command Security Manager, INSURV coordinator, and Officer of the Deck aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) homeported in Norfolk, VA and deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Sea Breeze, and Saxon Warrior.  In 2011, she executed an Individual Augmentation assignment forward deployed to International Security Assistance Forces Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan as a Staff Meteorology Forecaster.   
 
Ashore, she served as Optimal Track Ship Router and Command Duty Officer while assigned to Naval Maritime Forecast Center/Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Officer in Charge of Naval Oceanographic Anti-Submarine Warfare Detachment, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Junior Oceanography Assignments and Placement Officer at Naval Personnel Command Millington, TN; served as Senior Meteorology and Oceanography Officer and Deputy Chief, Command Centers Division while assigned to U.S. Strategic Command, Omaha, NE. CDR Bench served as Commanding Officer of Strike Group Oceanography Team Norfolk from  September 2022 to January 2025.
 
Her military decorations include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Navy Commendations, and other personal, service, and unit awards.

Commander Bench reported to the U.S. Naval Observatory and assumed duties as Deputy Superintendent in February 2025.