Captain Mark Parrella, originally from Arlington, VA, attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with merit in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. Following commissioning, he received a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering in 2000 from the University of Maryland.

After completing nuclear power and submarine training, Captain Parrella served aboard USS TOLEDO (SSN769) from November 2001 to June 2004. During his tour on USS TOLEDO, the ship deployed in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In July 2004, Captain Parrella reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence, where he served as a submarine intelligence analyst. During this tour, he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

In November 2007, Captain Parrella reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Newport News, VA as an Assistant Project Officer for VIRGINIA-Class Submarine Construction. He served as the Delivery Assistant Project Officer for the USS NEW MEXICO (SSN-779), the Launch Officer for the USS CALIFORNIA (SSN-781), and supervised numerous submarine module deliveries.

Captain Parrella reported to PEO Submarines in June 2011 and served as the Deputy Assistant Program Manager for New Acquisitions in the Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office (PMS-394).

In June 2015, Captain Parrella reported to the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Groton, CT as the VIRGINIA Class Project Officer and Program Manager’s Representative. During this tour, he delivered the USS ILLINOIS (SSN-786) and USS COLORADO (SSN-788) to the fleet, and re-delivered USS MINNESOTA (SSN-783), USS NORTH DAKOTA (SSN-784), and USS ILLINOIS (SSN-786) following their Post-Shakedown Availabilities.

In August 2018, Captain Parrella reported to the COLUMBIA Class Program Office (PMS-397) as the Principal Assistant Program Manager for Construction and Test, responsible for all aspects of construction readiness and lead ship construction of the COLUMBIA SSBN, including the joint United States/United Kingdom Common Missile Compartment program.

Captain Parrella served as the Program Manager for Undersea Weapons (PMS-404) from August 2020 to April 2022. In this role, he was responsible for all acquisition and life cycle support of all Navy undersea weapons programs, including two Joint Programs with the Commonwealth of Australia.

Captain Parrella reported as the Program Manager of the COLUMBIA Class Submarine Program (PMS-397) in May 2022.

Captain Parrella’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), and other various unit awards. He is a DoD Acquisition Corps member.