CAPT William C. Blodgett Jr.

DEPUTY COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON THREE ONE (CDS 31)

12 September 2025 Captain William C. Blodgett, Jr. graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001, receiving a commission and a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography. Selected for an immediate graduate program, he attended the Naval Post Graduate School earning a Master of Science in Physical Oceanography with a subspecialty in Undersea Warfare in 2002. He also has a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University.

At sea as a Division Officer, Blodgett served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (first tour) and Training Officer (second tour) aboard the forward deployed destroyer USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) in Yokosuka, Japan. As an afloat Department Head, Blodgett reported to the USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) in Yokosuka, Japan as the Operations Officer. For his second department head tour, he served as the operations officer for Destroyer Squadron SEVEN in San Diego, CA and deployed as the Sea Combat Commander for the RONALD REAGAN Strike Group to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets, participating in the Japan tsunami relief efforts. He deployed again on USNS MERCY for Pacific Partnership 2012. He served as the Executive Officer of the forward deployed destroyer USS BARRY (DDG 52) in Yokosuka, Japan. He served as the Commanding Officer of USS BARRY (DDG 52) from October 2018 through May 2020, during which BARRY was awarded the Battle E, ASW Bloodhound Award, and Spokane Trophy for 2020.

Ashore, Blodgett served as a Surface Warfare Junior Officer Detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS-41), completed a Navy Legislative Fellowship in the U.S. House of Representatives, served as a congressional liaison in the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget (SECNAV FMB)/Fiscal Management Division (OPNAV N82), served as the Deputy Director, Sea Combat Division and Surface Advanced Warfighting School, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, and served as the Legislative Liaison for Surface Warfare, Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. He most recently served as Director, Senate Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.

His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service and unit awards.