CDR Joseph M. Garia

Executive Officer, USS Canberra (LCS 30) Gold Crew

23 July 2025 Commander Joe Garia, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor’s in Physics from Washington and Jefferson College. He commissioned via the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program and Officer Candidate School.
 
As a career nuclear trained Surface Warfare officer, his division officer afloat assignments include Communications Officer aboard USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) and Reactor Laboratories Division Officer and Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). As a Department Head, he served as Operations Officer aboard USS MAHAN (DDG 72). He was previously assigned as Reactor Electrical Assistant aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69).

His shore assignments include Action Officer in Security Cooperation Strategy Division, Joint Chiefs of Staff, J5 Plans and Policy Directorate where he provided military advice on the State Partnership Program, Global Security Cooperation, U.S. Defense Industrial Base Strategy, and Security Assistance to both Israel and Ukraine. He previously served as the Executive Officer of Moored Training Ship 626 at Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit and Operational Test Director at Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force. He holds a Master of Engineering Management Degree from Old Dominion University.

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.