CDR Molly L. Lawton

Executive Officer, USS Halsey (DDG 97)

01 February 2024 Commander Lawton is a native of Omaha, Nebraska and commissioned from the NROTC Program at the University of Illinois in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She graduated from the US Naval War College in 2023 with a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

At sea, CDR Lawton served in USS PRINCETON (CG-59) as CIC Officer and Admin Officer.  Subsequent sea tours included assignments in USS STOCKDALE (DDG-106) as the Fire Control Officer, USS DECATUR (DDG-73) where she served as Weapons Officer, Combat Systems Officer, Senior Watch Officer, and Executive Officer, and USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71) where she served as Commanding Officer.

Ashore, CDR Lawton served in the Current Operations directorate at CNE-CNA-C6F in Naples, Italy, acting as an action officer in the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection and the Air Operations offices. She earned her Anti-Submarine/Anti-Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor patch and served at Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Sea Combat Division as a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training Planner. Additionally, she served as the Executive Officer of Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest. She currently serves as the Executive Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97).

Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards.