Commander Perry was born in New London, ct and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering

From 1990 to 1992, Commander Perry served as a Company Officer and Admissions Board member at the United States Naval Academy. Following the Submarine Officer Advance Course, he reported to the USS MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL (SSN-708) where he served as Weapons Officer and Engineer Officer until December 1996. During this tour, MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL completed three highly successful Northern Atlantic deployments, and was awarded the Commander, Submarine Squadron Six Battle Efficiency “E”, two Engineering “E”s and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Following a tour on the staff of the Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Command, Commander Perry served as the Executive Officer of USS SAN FRANCISCO (SSN-711) from January 1999 to December 2000. During this time, SAN FRANCISCO conducted under ice sonar testing, a Counterdrug operation, and a change of homeport from Pearl Harbor to Norfolk to begin an Engineered Refueling Overhaul.

In December 2000, Commander Perry served as the Undersea Warfare Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Carrier Battle Group One. In this capacity, he helped train every Pacific Battlegroup in Undersea Warfare. He served as the Deputy Commander for Readiness on the staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron One from June 2003 until May 2004, when he relieved as the Commanding Officer, USS SANTA FE (SSN-763).