CDR Rick Freedman completed a combined 7-year program with the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1991. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, as well as a Doctorate in Medical Dentistry and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Dental Corps. In 2000, Dr. Freedman finished residency training at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School earning a Certificate in Comprehensive Dentistry as well as a Masters Degree in Health Sciences from George Washington University.
Following graduation from Dental School in 1991, Dr. Freedman's first assignment was with the 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group in Camp Lejeune, NC where he served as Assistant Dental Officer from 1991-1993. His subsequent duty assignments include: Recruit Training Command, Naval Dental Center Orlando, FL (1993-1994); Branch Dental Clinic, Patuxent River, MD (1994-1998); Naval Postgraduate Dental School Bethesda, MD (1998-2000); Department Head aboard the USS INCHON (MCS-12) home ported in Ingleside, TX (2000-2002); Director of an ADA accredited Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, Jacksonville, FL (2002-2003); Director of Branch Dental Clinic Jacksonville (2003-2004); Department Head at Naval Branch Health Clinic Jacksonville (2004-2005) and Officer in Charge, Naval Branch Health Clinic Atlanta (2005-2007).
Dr. Freedman is a Diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry, Diplomate of the Federal Services Board of General Dentistry, Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, served as Senior Dental Executive for Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Command Consultant and Specialty Advisor in General Dentistry for Naval Dental Center Southeast.
Commander Freedman's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with one gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with one gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with one gold star), Fleet Marine Force Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal (with one bronze star), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Navy Pistol Expert Qualification Ribbon.
After reporting to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL in September 1984 Senior Chief Breidel completed Basic training and HM “A” School followed by Field Medical Service School in Camp Johnson, NC in May 85.
Senior Chief reported to Branch Medical Clinic, NAS Oceana as an Apprentice and was assigned to the Emergency Medical Team until June 1986. Next he served two consecutive tours as an FMF Corpsman, first with 3rd FSSG, B CO in Camp Hansen, Okinawa and then with the 3rd MAW at MCAS El Toro, CA until May 1989 transferring as a Second Class Petty Officer.
His next assignment took him to Naval Hospital Beaufort where he served in an administrative position in Manpower until Aug 1991 after which he was accepted into the Submarine Independent Duty Corpsman program. He began his training at Naval Undersea Medical Institute, Groton, CT, and later graduated with honors and meritoriously promoted to First Class Petty Officer in November 1992.
His first submarine, the USS GATO (SSN 615) is where he qualified in Submarines earning his Dolphins in October 1993. He then served on the USS SPRINGFIELD (SSN761) until April 1996. His next duty station found him at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, where he was selected for Chief Petty Officer and Senior Chief Petty Officer and served as LCPO of Hadnot Point, Couthouse Bay, and Camp Johnson clinics after which he was assigned at SEL, Branch Clinics Camp Lejuene.
Senior Chief returned to submarines at Kings Bay, GA aboard the USS MAINE (SSBN 741) (BLUE) until July 2001. His next duty station was Naval Medical Center Portsmouth serving as Administrative Officer, Boone Clinic; SEL, Woman and Children’s Health, SEL, Preventive Care and Wellness and Department Head Career Counselor for 3,000 enlisted.
In July 2003 he was selected and served as Senior Medical and Radiation Health Inspector for NSSC Norfolk until July 2007. Prior to his current position served as LCPO, Dam Neck Health Clinic.
Senior Chief Breidel has completed all his baccalaureate level classes and is pursuing his degree in Health Care Administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He has received six Navy Commendation Medals and three Navy Achievement Medals and numerous unit awards.
