Richard M. Pruitt ~ Director, Environmental Programs, Safety & Environment

Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises

After basic, he reported to the Presidio of Monterey, Defense Language Institute for 47 weeks of intensive Russian language training in August 1980.

Following language training, LCDR Pruitt was transferred to San Angelo, TX Goodfellow Air Force Base for 7 months of advanced technical training. This was followed by 2 months of intensive survival training at the USAF Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington.

In April 1982, he was assigned as an Airborne Russian Linguist to Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska. There, LCDR Pruitt became a qualified Airborne Operator, Tactical Controller and Computer Systems Operator on “RIVET JOINT” aircraft, and most importantly, a COBRA BALL aircraft Airborne Mission Supervisor.

In October 1985, he was reassigned to Fort Meade, Maryland and the National Security Agency. There, LCDR Pruitt qualified as an Airborne Operator, Analyst and Mission Supervisor on the COMFY LEVI and SENIOR SCOUT airborne systems. He also was in charge of all unit operations training, standardization and evaluation.

In 1990, LCDR Pruitt completed his Bachelors Degree and was accepted to USCG Officer Candidate School. After graduating from OCS in December 1990, he was assigned to the USCG Intelligence Coordination Center Detachment in Suitland, Maryland and shortly thereafter to Coast Guard Headquarters as an Indications and Warning Watch Officer until June 1993.

LCDR Pruitt’s Marine Safety career began in 1993 when he was assigned as a Resident Marine Inspector at Colonna’s, Norshipco and Newport News Shipbuilding yards while at MSO Hampton Roads, VA. In October 1995 he was slated to become the Chief, Port Safety and Security Branch, and held that job until June of 1997.

In July 1997, LCDR Pruitt was transferred to the position of the OPA-90 Contingency Planner at MSO Miami, a position he held until July 1999. At this time he was selected to become the Chief, USCG Passenger Vessel Control Verification Examination (CVE) School, where he directed the USCG’s “Center for Excellence” for foreign passenger vessel examinations. As a Senior Marine Inspector, he also assumed the role as Port State Control Leader. In addition to these other duties, he served as duty team leader and casualty investigator, responding to serious marine accidents, involving all types of casualties.

In July 2002, LCDR Pruitt was selected to become the inaugural US Coast Guard (USCG) Passenger Vessel Safety, Prevention and Mass Rescue Operations Program Manager at USCG Headquarters.

His academic achievements include:
• Masters of Business Administration, Florida Atlantic University, Environmental, 2001
• Bachelor of Arts, National Louis University, Management, 1990
• Associate’s Degree, Community College of the Air Force, Russian Interpreting, 1988.

His Coast Guard qualifications include:
• Senior Marine Inspector: Deck & Machinery, CVE, Liquefied Hazardous Gas, Crude, Product and Chemical Tanker, Foreign Freight, Barge, Drydock, Small Passenger, and Fishing Vessel Examiner
• Designated Waterfront Facility Inspector, Harbor Safety, and Contingency Planner
• Indications and Warning Watch Officer.