CAPT Joel Lang

Commanding Officer, USS Tripoli (LHA 7)

15 December 2020 Captain Joel Lang is a 1998 graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, commissioned through the NROTC program. A career surface warfare officer, Lang served aboard USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Cape St. George (CG 71), commanded Patrol Coastal Crew Kilo on USS Hurricane (PC 3) and USS Typhoon (PC 5); served on the staff of commander, Carrier Strike Group 8 / Eisenhower Strike Group; and commanded USS Ramage (DDG 61).

Ashore, he served as flag aide to deputy commander, US Fleet Forces Command; as an integrated air and missile defense operations officer for deputy director, Nuclear, Homeland Defense and Current Operations (Joint Staff J33); and in the “Bullpen” as section head, surface ship and submarine programs for director, Programming Division (OPNAV N80).

CAPT Lang assumed command of USS Tripoli in September 2020.

Lang holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from the Naval Post Graduate School.  Personal decorations include Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) and numerous individual, campaign and unit awards.