Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson

Commander, Joint Region Marianas

Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He also earned a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a master’s degree in National Security from the Naval War College. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), Combat Action Ribbon, and various campaign and unit awards. He is also a 2015 recipient of the FBI Director’s Award.

Capt. Michael A. Smith

Chief of Staff, Joint Region Marianas

CAPT Smith enlisted in the Naval Reserve from Waterbury, Vermont under the Delayed Entry Program and completed boot camp at NETC Orlando. He was selected for his NROTC scholarship and graduated from Norwich University and commissioned in May of 1996. CAPT Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a MBA from Norwich University, a Masters of Science in Information System Operations from Naval Postgraduate School, and a Masters of Art in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. CAPT Smith’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and various personal, campaign and unit awards. During his tour as CO and that of his relief, CAPT Robert Francis, LASSEN won the Spokane Trophy for most combat ready ship in the Pacific Fleet.  He is married to a native of Guam.

Peter A. Ridilla, PE

Executive Director, Joint Region Marianas

Prior to his current position, Pete “Silverback” Ridilla served as the Deputy Officer in Charge of Construction for the Officer in Charge of Construction – Marine Corps Marianas.  He was responsible for executing the construction of $8.7B Defense Policy Review Initiative’s (DPRI) relocation of US Marine Forces from Okinawa to Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CMNI) and other outlying islands.  He ensured all requirements for Marine Corps’ operational plan execution, training, garrison operations and life support of the Marines and their families meet DoD standards.  Additionally, he was responsible for implementing the One Guam philosophy and interacting with local leaders, civic action, and cultural preservation groups to ensure the complex requirements of the Programmatic Agreement are met.

CMDCM William Webster

Command Master Chief, Joint Region Marianas

Master Chief Petty Officer Webster is a native of Texas. He entered the U.S. Navy attending basic training and Aviation Apprentice School in Great Lakes in 1992. Master Chief Webster’s academic achievements include a Bachelor's Degree in social sciences; a Master's Degree in human resources; Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. He is an honor graduate from the Senior Enlisted Academy, is qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist and certified as a Master Training Specialist. Master Chief Webster’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and several other campaign and unit awards.