CDR David T. Gardner

Commanding Officer, USS Mobile (LCS 26) Gold Crew

05 May 2023

A native of Bishop, Calif., and a graduate of the University of San Diego, Cmdr. Gardner commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program in 2006. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies – Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa & Southeast Asia from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His sea duty assignments include as Main Propulsion Division Officer aboard USS Decatur (DDG 73); Officer-in-Charge, Maritime Expeditionary Security Detachment 322 and Weapons & Training Department Head (N7) at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Three; Operations Officer aboard USS Vandegrift (FFG 48); Operations Officer (N3) and Staff Director at Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23; and executive officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) Gold crew. During these tours he deployed five times and operated in the Pacific, Central, and Southern Command areas of responsibility.

Ashore, Gardner served as Watch Officer and Special Projects Officer at Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, and as the Current Operations Officer (N31) and Force Scheduler at Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

He currently serves as the commanding officer of USS Mobile’s (LCS 26) Gold Crew.

Gardner’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other personal, unit, and service awards. He is authorized to wear unit awards including the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Award (with Operational device) and U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation (with Operational device).