CDR Douglas T. Forward

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS PREBLE (DDG 88)

18 November 2025

Commander Douglas Forward, a native of Houston, Texas, graduated from Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in December 1998. Prior to commissioning, he advanced to Chief Petty Officer—an experience that continues to shape his leadership philosophy and commitment to developing Sailors at every level. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2010 as a Surface Warfare Officer.

At sea, Commander Forward served aboard USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40) and as First Lieutenant and Navigator aboard USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56). He later served in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Japan, as Operations Officer aboard USS BENFOLD (DDG 65) and as Combat Systems Officer aboard USS BARRY (DDG 52).

Ashore, Commander Forward served as a 2M Instructor at CNATT Detachment Atsugi, Japan, where he earned designation as a Master Training Specialist. He subsequently served as an instructor and Course Curriculum Model Manager for Supporting Arms Coordination Center (SACC) and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) courses at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic (EWTGLANT). His later assignments include serving as the Combat Systems/C5I Readiness Officer for Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific (CNSGWP), and as Deputy Associate Director for N81I on the OPNAV staff.

Commander Forward holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I at the U.S. Naval War College.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards. He is married to Nicole Forward, and they reside in Yokosuka, Japan.