CDR Paul L. Dinius was born in Santa Barbara, California, and is a resident of Vermont.
He graduated from Norwich University, the Military College of Vermont in 1992 with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned through
the Naval ROTC program at Norwich.
CDR Dinius' first shipboard assignment was USS Pargo (SSN 650), where he served as
the Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant and Communications Officer. While
on board he completed a North Atlantic deployment and arctic operations during ICEX 2-
94. After 14 months and upon the decommissioning of USS Pargo, he transferred to USS
Alabama (SSBN 731)(Gold) where he completed four strategic deterrent patrols and
earned his first Battle Efficiency "E" award. He then served as an Assistant Professor of
Naval Science, NROTC, University of Oklahoma from 1996 to 1999.
From 1999 to 2002, he served as the Combat Systems Officer in USS Hampton (SSN
767), completing one North Atlantic deployment and earning his second Battle Efficiency
"E." He was then assigned as the Submarine Department Head detailer (PERS-42), Navy
Personnel Command, in Millington, TN, from 2002 to 2004.
His next assignment was Executive Officer of USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) from 2004
to 2006 where he completed one Western Pacific deployment and earned a third Battle
"E". From 2006 to 2008 he was a Special Assistant to the Commander, US Strategic
Command, and the Deputy Director of the Commander's Action Group at
USSTRATCOM.
CDR Dinius holds Masters Degrees in Mechanical Engineering (1999) from the
University of Oklahoma, and in Engineering Management (2004) from Old Dominion
University. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College Correspondence
Course (JPME Phase I) and Joint Forces Staff College (JPME Phase II). He is also a
licensed Professional Engineer with the State of Oklahoma.
His awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (six
awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit awards.
CDR Dinius is married to the former Stephanie Wilson of Simi Valley, California.
They have two children, Harry and Heidi.
