CDR Joseph L. McGettigan

Past Executive Officer, USS Higgins (DDG 76)

07 August 2020 Cmdr. Joseph L. McGettigan is a native of Newport, Rhode Island, and received his Computer Science degree and Commission from the Naval Academy in 2003. He earned master’s degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.

​His sea tours include USS Shoup (DDG 86) as the Ordnance Officer and Antiterrorism Officer, USS Trenton (LPD 14) as Navigator and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer.

His shore tours include Operations Officer for the US Naval Academy’s Varsity Offshore Sailing Team and Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport RI as lead air defense instructor. He reported aboard USS Higgins as the Executive Officer in March, 2020.McGettigan's decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service, joint, and campaign awards.

He reported aboard USS Higgins as the Executive Officer in March, 2020.