CDR Jonathan W. Hightower

Commanding Officer, USS Benfold (DDG 65)

26 July 2023

Commander Jonathan Hightower, a native of Raton, New Mexico, enlisted in the Navy in 1995 and rose to the enlisted rank of Chief Petty Officer. He received his commission in 2007 through the merit-based Limited Duty Officer program and was selected to Unrestricted Line in 2012.

Commander Hightower’s first officer tour of duty was in USS MILIUS (DDG 69) where he served thirty-nine months as Combat Information Center Officer, deployed to the Arabian Gulf three times, and earned his Surface Warfare qualification. He then reported to Commander Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN (CSG 11) embarked in USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) where he served for forty-three months as the Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO), supported RIMPAC 2012, multiple exercises and deployed to SEVENTH, FIFTH, and SIXTH fleets during the extended deployment in 2013. After completing Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island, he reported to USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) and served forty months as Operations and Combat Systems Officer. While in BUNKER HILL, he deployed with CARL VINSON and THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Groups in support of OIF, OEF, and OIR and earned three Battle “E” awards. His most recent tour was Executive Officer in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57). During his tour, LAKE CHAMPLAIN served as a C3F SUSTAINMENT ship participating in SUMMEREX 2021, Project CONVERGENCE, GRAY FLAG 2022, NORTHERN EDGE 2023, and Operation TUNGSTEN FORTRESS. In July of 2023, he assumed command of USS BENFOLD (DDG 65).

Commander Hightower’s shore tours include Staff Integrated Warfare Air and Missile Defense Warfare Tactics Instructor (IAMD WTI) for the staff of Commander Carrier Strike Group FIFTEEN (CSG-15) and SWATT Planner for the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC).

Commander Hightower graduated Summa Cum Laude from Trident University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business management and a Master of Science in IT Management. He also is a graduate of the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College JPME PH I program.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy Achievement Medal (eight awards) and various unit and campaign awards.