A native of El Paso, TX, Commander Rivera enlisted in the Navy in June 1990. A graduate of the Broaden Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program, he earned a Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Arizona where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science.
Following his commission in 1995, he served as Auxiliaries Officer on USS LEFTWICH (DD 984) and Damage Control Division Officer on USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75). As a Department Head, he served as Combat Systems Officer on USS O’BRIEN (DD 975), as Executive Officer for Coastal Minehunter Crews Inflict and Bold onboard USS RAVEN (MHC 61), USS ORIOLE (MHC 55), USS BLACKHAWK (MHC 58), and USS HERON (MHC 52), and as Navigator on USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6). He served as Executive Officer on USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) completing a deployment to FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility as well as a seven month dry-docking. His last sea tour was as Operations Officer onboard USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8).
Ashore, Commander Rivera attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, served as Joint Operations Center Team Chief and Central Africa branch director on the staff of Commander, U.S. Africa Command, as Experimentation Lead and N8 Operations Officer at Naval Warfare Development Command, and most recently as the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Officer on the staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. FIFTH Fleet. He is currently serving as the Executive Officer of Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (2 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign awards.
Last Updated: 14 June 2022