CDR Dan Hancock

Past Executive Officer, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)

17 April 2023 Commander Hancock reported in January 2023 as Executive Officer in USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000). Most recently he served afloat as the first Commanding Officer in USS FRANK E. PETERSEN JR. (DDG 121) from September 2019 to October 2022. As the commissioning captain, he led her through construction, delivery, initial crew certification, commissioning, and sailed her to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for combat systems ship’s qualification training (CSSQT) and final contract trials (FCT). Prior to command he served afloat as Executive Officer in USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73) from June 2016 to February 2018.

As a Division Officer, he served in USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) as Damage Control Assistant and in USS COMSTOCK (LSD 45) as Electrical Officer, Auxiliaries Officer, and Assistant Chief Engineer. In his first department head assignment he served as Engineer Officer in USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99). In FARRAGUT he screened for Early Command. As a Second Tour Department Head he served as Engineer Officer in USS HUE CITY (CG 66) from 2012-2013. In 2013 he was recognized by RADM Gumataotao, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, as Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT Junior Officer Tactician of the Year. He has completed six deployments sailing in all fleets, most notably in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE.

Commander Hancock is a 2002 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he majored in Political Science. He is a 2008 graduate of Naval Postgraduate School and holds a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies, Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa, earning distinction for his thesis. In 2009, he graduated from the Defense Language Institute where he studied Modern Standard Arabic. He is recognized as a regional specialist and an Arabic linguist.

Ashore, he served on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. While at CNSP, he screened for Commander Command at Sea. Most recently he served ashore as Executive Officer, Afloat Training Group Mayport.

Commander Hancock’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (2 awards), and various unit commendations.