CDR David T. Gardner

Past Executive Officer, USS Mobile (LCS 26) Gold Crew

22 February 2022 A native of Bishop, CA and a graduate of the University of San Diego, Commander Gardner commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 2006. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies – Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa & Southeast Asia from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

His sea duty assignments include as Main Propulsion Division Officer aboard USS Decatur (DDG 73), Officer-in-Charge, Maritime Expeditionary Security Detachment 322 and Weapons & Training Department Head (N7) at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Three, Operations Officer aboard USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), and Operations Officer (N3) and Staff Director at Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23. During these tours he deployed five times and operated in the Pacific, Central, and Southern Command areas of responsibility.

Ashore, Gardner served as Watch Officer and Special Projects Officer at Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Monterey, CA; and as the Current Operations Officer (N31) and Force Scheduler in Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

His current assignment is Executive Officer, USS Mobile (LCS 26) Gold Crew.

He has been a member of teams that were awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Award (with Operational device) and U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (with Operational device).

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other personal, unit, and service awards.