Capt. Ben V. Wainwright is a native of Grandville, Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo, a Master of Science in Coastal Engineering and a Master of Business Administration both from the University of Florida. He attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps in October 2001.
Wainwright’s previous operational assignments include Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE, as Company Commander, Detail Afghanistan Officer in Charge (OIC) and Battalion Convoy Security Element OIC; and Commanding Officer of Underwater Construction Team ONE where he was solely responsible for multiple dive detachments deployed around the world, performing high risk underwater construction in direct support of three different Combatant Commanders.
His previous shore assignments include Assistant Public Works Officer, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina; Assistant Resident Officer In Charge of Construction, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island; Marine Engineer Dive Officer Training, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Command, Panama City, Florida; Waterfront Inspection Program Manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, Washington, DC; Military Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment, Washington, DC; Public Works Officer, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia; and Public Works Officer, Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia; Ocean Operations Officer, Maritime Surveillance Systems (PMS 485) in San Diego, California, where he led the planning and execution of all installations, repairs and surveys for fixed surveillance systems and undersea networks; and as Commanding Officer for Officer In Charge of Construction, China Lake where he concluded the $3.9B recovery effort from two devastating 2019 earthquakes. He reported to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) headquarters in August 2024 before assuming command of Officer in Charge of Construction, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Wainwright is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, a Seabee Combat Warfare Officer and Dive Officer. He has been awarded a Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards) and various other unit and personal decorations.
Last Updated: 6 December 2024