CAPT Daniel A. Hancock

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000)

02 April 2024 Captain Hancock took command of USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) in April 2024 overseeing the first-in-class build yard maintenance period (BYMP) and the Navy’s initial conventional prompt strike (CPS) hypersonic capability installation and delivery.

He served as executive officer in ZUMWALT from January 2023 until April 2024. Previous at sea assignments include first commanding officer in USS FRANK E. PETERSEN JR. (DDG 121) from September 2019 to October 2022. Other afloat tours include executive officer in USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73), and department head tours as engineer officer in USS HUE CITY (CG 66) and USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99). In 2013 he was recognized as Carrier Strike Group EIGHT Junior Officer Tactician of the Year. He has completed six deployments sailing in all fleets, most notably in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE.

Captain Hancock is a 2002 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is a 2008 graduate of Naval Postgraduate School and holds a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies, Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, earning distinction for his thesis. A 2009 Defense Language Institute graduate, he is recognized as a regional specialist and an Arabic linguist.

Ashore, he served as executive officer, Afloat Training Group Mayport, and on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Captain Hancock’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 awards), and various unit commendations.