CAPT Gary A. Harrington II

Past Executive Officer, USS Tripoli (LHA 7)

10 April 2022 Capt. Harrington, a LaVista, Neb. native, enlisted in the Navy in 1992 as a Gas Turbine Mechanic and attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class before being selected for commissioning through the Seaman to Admiral Program in 1997. He completed basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL and Gas Turbine Mechanical Class “A” and “C” schools at Naval Station Great Lakes.

His sea tours include: Combat Information Center and Training Officer aboard USS McInerney (FFG 8), Navigator and Assistant Operations Officer aboard USS Hue City (CG 66), Chief Engineer in MHC rotational Crew Conquest, embarked in USS Cormorant (MHC 57) and USS Kingfisher (MHC 56), Chief Engineer in MCM rotational Crew Swerve, embarked in USS Defender (MCM 2), USS Gladiator (MCM 11), and USS Sentry (MCM 3), and Chief Engineer in USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). His last assignment at sea was as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS Germantown (LSD 42) forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan.

On his shore tours he served as the Future Operations and Plans Lead and Lead Planner for Africa Partnership Station on the combined staff of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Sixth Fleet, the Senior Military Assistant and Evaluator in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Naval Warfare, and as a Financial Management Analyst and as the Deputy Director for the Investment and Development Division, FMB-2 on the staff of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Financial Management and Comptroller.

Capt. Harrington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Business Management, Suma Cum Laude and a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. He is a graduate of the Naval War College and Maritime Advanced Warfighting School in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I, and qualification as an Operational Planner. He also completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase II at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA.

His enlisted tours include Work Center Supervisor aboard USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Main Propulsion Division Leading Petty Officer aboard USS Moosbrugger (DD 980).

He reported to USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as the Executive Officer in March 2022.

His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), nine Battle Efficiency Awards, and various other unit and campaign service medals and ribbons.