Ulrich has served in a broad range of sea and shore assignments. As a
Surface Warfare Officer, he has served seven sea tours with units of the
Atlantic Fleet, and has participated in eight deployments to South America, West Africa, Northern and Southern Europe, and the
Persian Gulf. During his last operational assignment, Ulrich served simultaneously as Commander,
United States Sixth Fleet, Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces
NATO, and Commander,
Allied Joint Command Lisbon. Shore assignments include duty on the
Joint Staff and the staff of the
Chief of Naval Operations. He has served as Director of Cruise Missile Plans and Policy, as well as Director of Surface Warfare. In 2001, he was selected to lead the revolution in United States Navy training as Commander, Task Force Excel. ==Awards and decorations==