Jacob Stevenback: From silent service to mission support
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. – “Equipping the warfighters with the necessary tools and training to accomplish the mission.”
For Jacob Stevenback, that mission is personal.
After serving eight years on active duty in the U.S. Navy – from nuclear propulsion training to life aboard Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines – Stevenback understands what it means to rely on preparation, precision and the people beside you. Today, as a General Operations Manager at StraCon, he brings that same mindset to supporting the next generation of warfighters through advanced training systems designed to prepare service members before they ever enter the fight.
His journey began at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he initially planned to pursue professional soccer before shifting his focus to aerospace engineering. That path led him to the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program, launching him into one of the military’s most demanding career paths.
From Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, to Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, he was immersed in intense technical and leadership training that shaped both his career and character. Eventually, that training carried him beneath the ocean’s surface aboard the USS Alaska, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine.
Nuclear Power School graduation, April 2016 – Jacob Stevenback with his wife, Jessica, celebrating the milestone and the start of the next chapter in service. (Courtesy of Jacob Stevenback)
“The military helped humble me, to look at things from other people’s perspectives.”
The experience taught him adaptability, accountability and how to lead under pressure.
After weeks submerged on the USS Alaska, Jacob marked his first watch as officer of the deck the traditional way – up on the bridge, driving the boat into port. (Courtesy photo of Jacob Stevenback)
Every assignment brought new challenges. From Kings Bay, Georgia, to Andros Island in the Bahamas, Stevenback carried responsibilities that directly affected mission success and the safety of others. As the range safety officer at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, he was responsible for preventing collisions and ensuring testing operations ran safely and efficiently.
After leaving active duty, he transitioned into civilian life and eventually joined StraCon, where he found a mission that aligned with his military experience and values.
Today, Stevenback supports the Virtual Integrated Training Team, helping manage the financial and operational needs behind advanced military training systems. These systems and simulators enable active-duty personnel and reservists to train for real-world combat scenarios in safe, controlled environments before entering operational settings.
“These trainers give them the opportunity to really train for the battle they’re going to be fighting,” Stevenback said.
StraCon’s flexible support has also allowed him to continue serving in the Navy Reserves, where he currently holds the rank of lieutenant commander. Balancing reserve duty, family life and civilian leadership has given him an even deeper appreciation for organizations that value service and experience.
“At StraCon, we believe in the strength and experiences our employees bring to the mission and to the warfighter,” Stevenback said.
That belief reflects his own leadership philosophy – one rooted in humility, accountability and perspective.
“Leadership is about integrity and honesty,” Stevenback said. “You can teach somebody the job, but you can’t teach them to do the right thing when the time comes.”
From the “silent service” of submarine operations to supporting the future of military training, Stevenback’s career has remained centered on one thing: helping others succeed in high-stakes environments.
His story reflects the heart of StraCon’s mission – supporting warfighters not only through technical expertise, but through the experience, dedication and integrity of the people behind the work.