Meet Rita Schuh, an Environmental Engineer whose mission protects the Warfighter and the Environment

Meet Rita Schuh, an Environmental Engineer whose mission protects the Warfighter and the Environment

By Brittny Odoms, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Public Affairs

Rita Schuh, an environmental engineer in the Environmental and Energy Division of the NSWC Carderock Division, has spent 37 years promoting environmental compliance and protection of marine ecosystems across the Armed Forces. She supports the Naval Sea Systems Command on the Uniform National Discharge Standards (UNDS) and Ballast Water programs, which are critical for standardizing environmental regulations and preventing the spread of non-indigenous species.

With a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma, Schuh began her government career in 1989. Her journey has included diverse roles in energy programs, environmental quality and pollution prevention at naval facilities and air bases from Washington, D.C., to Misawa, Japan, and San Diego. This broad experience has been instrumental in her leadership of complex environmental initiatives.

Schuh's work on the UNDS program helps establish consistent environmental discharge requirements for Navy ships across all U.S. ports, simplifying compliance for the fleet. Her leadership in the Ballast Water program is vital to the research and development of solutions that protect native ecosystems from invasive species, ensuring the Navy operates as a responsible steward of the seas.

"The success of both the UNDS and Ballast Water programs depends on an interdisciplinary approach," Schuh said. "Our team members have a variety of engineering and science expertise, and we turn to subject matter experts to ensure that the UNDS requirements and ballast water solutions we are advancing will actually work and support the afloat mission."

Having recently transitioned to a part-time role after mentoring two engineers to take over as technical leads, Schuh continues to contribute her expertise to the team. Her career reflects a deep commitment to both the Navy's mission and environmental protection, showcasing how engineering excellence can support and sustain the warfighter.