CAPT Mark B. Stefanik

Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron THREE ONE (CDS 31)

13 July 2023 Captain Stefanik is a native of Tehachapi, California. He was commissioned and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy in 1998. Additionally, he has a Masters of Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, and a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Afloat he has served in USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37) as Anti-Submarine Warfare and Combat Information Center Officer, in USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68) as Navigator and in USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93) as Operations Officer. Selected for Early Command, he took command of MCM Crew LEADER after serving as Executive Officer and was the Commanding Officer of USS DEXTROUS, USS PIONEER, and USS ARDENT. He returned to sea as the Damage Control Assistant and PMA coordinator for USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). He then served as Commanding Officer, Littoral Combat Ship Crew 209/USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8) GOLD CREW, during which he commissioned USS MONTGOMERY and brought her through her first year of fleet service.

On shore he has served as the Flag Special Projects Officer for Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, as the Joint Forces Course Director at the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama and on the OPNAV N31 staff as a Battle Watch Captain in the Navy Operations Center. He also served as the Deputy Commander/ Chief Staff Officer for Mine Countermeasures Division 31 and as Director, Surface Analysis Branch for Evaluation and Reporting (SABER) at the Nimitz Operations Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland. His most recent assignment was J35 Branch Chief at USCENTCOM in Tampa, FL where he led OPERATION ALLIES REFUGE and ALLIES WELCOME.

He assumed the role of Deputy Commander for Destroyer Squadron 31 in May 2023.

Captain Stefanik’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards) and multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal, in addition to various unit awards.