CDR John “Nick” Van Wagoner

PAST COMMANDING OFFICER, USS OAKLAND (LCS 24) BLUE CREW

04 May 2023

Cmdr. Van Wagoner is a native of Annapolis, Md. He is a 2005 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English. He is an alumnus of the University of California, San Diego’s School of Global Policy, and he holds a master’s degree in International Affairs with a specialization in Asia-Pacific policy. He is qualified as an Anti-Surface/Anti-Submarine Warfare Tactics Instructor.

Afloat, he completed tours aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Barry (DDG 52), serving as Communications Officer and Ship’s Navigator, respectively; USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) as Operations Officer; on USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) as the commissioning Operations Officer; and aboard USS Jackson (LCS 6) Blue crew as the executive officer. He has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, the Global War on Terrorism, and other national tasking.

Ashore, he served as flag aide for the Department of the Navy’s Chief of Legislative Affairs and as a Surface Warfare Advance Tactical Training Planner and Action Officer at Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Command Headquarters.

Van Wagoner currently serves as the commanding officer aboard USS Oakland (LCS 26) Blue crew.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as various campaign and unit decorations.