Paul Rinn is one of the world’s most accomplished Naval Leaders, and today, we remember his legacy that will continue to inspire the future generation in the Navy. 

Capt. Paul X. Rinn was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Navy for 29 years. He was the very first commanding officer of the USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) and the USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55). He also served in the Iraq War and was awarded multiple recognitions, including “Meritorious Service Media 5,” “Joint Service Commendation Media,” “Navy Commendation Medal,” “Navy Achievement Medal,” “Combat Action Ribbon,” and the “Purple Heart.”

And those were not just some decorative plaques and awards. Capt. Rinn’s outstanding journey to leading the Navy was nothing short of remarkable. He was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1946 to a lawyer father and a grade school teacher mother. They instilled a sense of discipline in him, but it was his older brother Greg (a Navy officer) who really inspired him to pursue the Navy too. 

Capt. Rinn was more than just his physical strength. He also got the brains to match it. After attending Marist College in 1968, he obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration while studying at the Naval War College. He also had credits from his studies at Harvard University, Standford University, and Salve Regina.