CDR Kathleen R. Ball

Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9

22 May 2025 Originally from Palos Verdes, CA, Commander Ball graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Oceanography. She also holds a Master of Professional Studies degree in Leadership and Education Development from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Commander Ball has served as Strike Officer and Navigator in USS RUSSELL (DDG 59), Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), and as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer in USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101).

Ashore, she served at the United States Naval Academy as 30th Company Officer through the Company Officer LEAD Program; as the Deputy Chief of Operations, Operations Directorate in NATO Training Mission Afghanistan; as the Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) Program Lead for Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center; and as Post Department Head Detailer and Surface Warfare Community Assistant Manager (PERS-411/411M) at Navy Personnel Command in Millington TN. Most recently, she returned to Navy Personnel Command as Captain Detailer and Deputy Director, Surface Warfare Officer Distribution (PERS-41).
 
Commander Ball reported as Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron NINE in May of this year.