CDR James Barber

Commanding Officer, USS Canberra (LCS 30) Gold Crew

09 March 2023 Hailing from sunny San Diego, Calif., Cmdr. James Barber is a graduate of the University of Southern California, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Software Development from the Colorado Technical University.

At sea, Barber served as the Electrical Officer on USS San Jacinto (CG-56); Training Officer on USS Ross (DDG 71); Operations Officer on USS Elrod (FFG 55); Operations Officer and Plans & Tactics Officer on the forward deployed USS Shiloh (CG 67); and Executive Officer on the forward deployed USS Antietam (CG 54).

Ashore, Barber served as an Instructor for the International Surface Warfare Officer School program in Newport, R.I; Senior TLAM Mission Planner and Operations Officer for the NAVCENT Tomahawk Strike and Mission Planning Cell in support of the Syria Chemical Weapon Response; and as an Operational Planner and Battle Watch Captain for the Seventh Fleet staff embarked upon USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

His current assignment is as USS Canberra (LCS 30) Gold crew’s commanding officer.

His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards