CDR Joseph L. McGettigan

Past Commanding Officer, USS Higgins (DDG 76)

28 September 2021 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 a 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 as lead air defense instructor. He reported aboard USS Higgins (DDG 76) as the Executive Officer in March, 2020. 

He assumed command of USS Higgins on Sept. 10, 2021.

McGettigan's decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service, joint, and campaign awards.