Captain Ricks W. Polk, USN
Commander
Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One

Captain Ricks W. Polk is a native of Indianapolis, Ind. He enlisted in the Navy in February 1977 and attended recruit training in Orlando, Fla. Capt. Polk is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of West Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. He also has a master's degree in military operational art and science from the Air Command and Staff College and a master's degree in human resources management from Troy State University.

Capt. Polk completed his initial sea tour in USS Queenfish (SSN 651). In 1981, he was assigned to USS Marino G. Vallejo (SSBN 658-Blue).

Capt. Polk was selected into the Limited Duty Officer Program in September 1986 during ceremonies at Naval Station San Diego, Calif. His tours at sea include Electrical Officer aboard USS New Jersey (BB 62); Engineering Officer aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33); and Materiel Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron 21.

Ashore, Capt. Polk has served as Marine Officer at the Atlantic Undersea Test Evaluation Center Andros Island, Bahamas. He also completed Department Head School in Newport, R.I., and served as an Ethics Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.

After completing Joint Professional Military Education requirements in Montgomery, Ala. and Norfolk, Va., Polk served as Commanding Officer of USS Warrior (MCM 10). Under his command, Warrior earned consecutive Battle "E" awards and completed a Western Atlantic deployment.

In March 2002, Capt. Polk reported to Mine Warfare Training Center, Ingleside, Texas, as Director of Training, followed by tours there as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer.

Capt. Polk assumed command of USS Ingraham (FFG 61) in December 2004. Ingraham performed all force protection, anti-submarine warfare and maritime interdiction operations for Expeditionary Strike Group 1 while deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf and Somali Basin.

Capt. Polk's most recent assignment in Oct. 2008 was as commanding officer, Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Capt. Polk assumed command of Military Sealift Command Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One in June 2011.

Capt. Polk's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) and the Good Conduct Medal (two awards).