CDR Leif Gunderson

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS MILIUS (DDG 69)

04 May 2023

Commander Leif Gunderson is a native of Waldorf, MD and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in May 2004. He was commissioned with distinguished honors through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL in October 2004.

CDR Gunderson's sea tours include Strike Warfare Officer in USS ANZIO from November 2004 to June 2006, Reactor Controls Division Officer in USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH from September 2007 to September 2009, Operations Officer in USS MASON from July 2012 to March 2014, and Main Propulsion Assistant in USS GERALD R. FORD from August 2014 to August 2016. Prior to assuming command of USS MILIUS, he served as the ship’s Executive Officer.

His ashore tours include Naval Science Instructor at The Citadel from September 2009 to September 2011, Deputy Officer in Charge for Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Surface Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team from September 2016 to October 2018, and his most recent tour where he served as an Action Officer for The Joint Staff J7 Futures and Concepts Division from November 2018 to August 2020.

CDR Gunderson’s personal awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and service awards.