Born in Fullerton, California and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, CDR Joshua Oakes graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and received his commission into the Naval Service through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2003.
After commissioning, CDR Oakes reported to USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) as Combat Information Center Officer, deploying to 5th and 6th fleet in support of anti-piracy operations off the horn of Africa and West African Training Cruise. He then reported to USS STETHEM (DDG 63), home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan as a part of the US Forward Deployed Naval Forces. CDR Oakes reported onboard USS JASON DUNHAM in March 2011 as Weapons Officer with a follow on tour as Combat Systems Officer, and completed her maiden deployment, in which he returned to 5th and 6th fleets. On shore CDR Oakes served at Operational Test and Evaluation Force, OPNAV N96 and most recently the Surface Warfare Officers School in the Fleet Training Directorate. While on shore duty, he received a MBA from UMASS Amherst as well Joint Professional Military Education.
CDR Oakes’ personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign decorations.
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