CAPT Joseph J. Ring

Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (COMNAVSURGRU MIDPAC)

08 June 2022

A native of San Diego, California, Captain Joe Ring graduated from the University of Southern California Trojan Battalion in 1995, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Captain Ring also holds a Master of Arts (with distinction) in Organizational Change from Hawaii Pacific University, and a Master of Arts (with distinction) in National Security and Strategic Studies, specializing in Asia Pacific Studies, from the United States Naval War College. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and a Joint Qualified Officer.

A Surface Warfare Officer by trade, Captain Ring has served in four countries and operated extensively in every Combatant Command theater of operation. His sea duty assignments include Auxiliaries Officer and Damage Control Assistant in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57), Combat Information Center Officer in USS OGDEN (LPD 5), Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), Executive Officer in USS CARNEY (DDG 64), Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO FOUR, Commanding Officer in USS MUSTIN (DDG 89), Yokosuka, Japan, Commanding Officer in USS HOPPER (DDG 70), Deputy Commander and Commander, Destroyer Squadron THREE ONE, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

Ashore, Captain Ring served as Assistant Repair Officer for Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Flag Aide to Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, Warfare Systems Advisor to the Royal Australian Navy, Sydney, Australia, Director, Joint Operations Center (J31), United States Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany, and as Chief of Staff to Director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Captain Ring’s personal decorations include the Royal Australian Navy Chief of Navy Gold Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various campaign medals and unit awards including the Battle “E” Excellence Award (six awards). Captain Ring is also a very proud Honorary Chief Petty Officer.