Captain Kenneth R. Sydow graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961. His first tour of duty was as Main Propulsion Assistant in USS WILKINSON (DL-5). In 1963 he attended the U.S. Naval Destroyer School at Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a tour as Weapons Officer in USS HENDERSON (DD-785).

Captain Sydow entered nuclear power training in February 1965, and in April 1966 reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), serving as Repair Division Officer, Reactor Controls Division Officer and Damage Control Assistant. He assumed command of USS ARIKARA (ATF-98) in August 1968. Following fourteen months in command, he served as a member of the Pacific Fleet Naval Nuclear Propulsion Examining
Board. He then reported to USS TRUXTUN (CGN-35), serving as Engineer Officer from 1971 to 1975.  

Captain Sydow served on the staff of the Director, Division of Naval Reactors, U.S. Department of Energy, in Washington, D.C. from October 1975 to August 1978. He became the twelfth commanding officer of USS BERKELEY (DDG-15) in February 1979, serving until January 1981.  He served on the staff of Commander Naval Surface Force, US Atlantic Fleet for 21 months as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Engineering Readiness and Training, and as Officer-in-Charge of the Atlantic Fleet Naval Surface and Air Forces’ Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team.

Captain Sydow became the fourth commanding officer of USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN-37) in June 1983.  He attended the Naval War College in Newport RI from August 1986 to June 1987, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and a concurrent Master of Science degree in Management from Salve Regina College.  His final tour of duty was as Commanding Officer of the Fleet Training Center in Norfolk VA, where he served from August 1987 through May 1989, retiring from active duty on 30 June 1989.

Captain Sydow’s personal decorations included two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.  He was also entitled to wear three awards of the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Citation and numerous service and campaign medals.