Captain Dave Latta, a native of Minnetonka, MN, holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas and an M.S. in Management from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lally School of Business.  He earned his commission at Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and completed nuclear propulsion training in Charleston, SC.

Captain Latta assumed command of USS SCRANTON (SSN 756), homeported in San Diego, CA, in August 2019, sailing over 75,000 miles including one Western Pacific deployment.  He served as Executive Officer aboard USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731) (Blue) in Bangor, WA. During his tour, ALABAMA completed three deterrent patrols, earning the U.S.  Strategic Command Omaha Trophy, the Navy League Outstanding Trident Performance Award, and two consecutive Battle Efficiency “E” awards.  He served as Engineer Officer on USS BUFFALO (SSN 715) forward deployed to Guam and sailing throughout the western Pacific, earning a Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, two successive Battle “E” awards, and the CNO Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.  As a junior officer, he completed four deterrent patrols aboard USS WYOMING (SSBN 742) (Blue) homeported in Kings Bay, GA.

Ashore, his assignments include service as a legislative fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, executive officer and board member of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, and instructor duty at Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa, NY.  He is a registered Professional Engineer in Washington State.

Captain Latta assumed command of the Naval ROTC Unit at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in March 2022.