CDR Leigh R. Tate

Commanding Officer, USS Spruance (DDG 111)

29 July 2025 Commander Leigh R. Tate  is a native of San Diego, California, and a 2006 graduate of San Diego State University. He received his commission in July 2007 through Officer Candidate School. CDR Tate holds a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma in International Relations. He also has a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is an Anti-Submarine / Anti-Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) and earned his patch in 2019.

Afloat, CDR Tate has served as the Assistant Navigator on USS TARAWA (LHA 1) and as the Navigator on USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8). During these tours, he deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. His department head tours include assignments as the Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer on USS CORONADO (LCS 4) and USS OMAHA (LCS 12). He completed CORONADO's 7th Fleet deployment, which was a first for the INDEPENDENCE class variant of the Littoral Combat Ship.

Ashore, CDR Tate served on the USINDOPACOM staff. He was also a lead SWATT (Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training) Planner at the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC). Most recently, he was the Flag Aide to Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command / Naval Forces Northern Command / Naval Forces Strategic Command.

CDR Tate's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Joint Achievement Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards). He has also received various unit and campaign awards.