CAPT Vince Fortson

Commanding Officer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001)

08 August 2023 Captain Vince Fortson, a native of San Diego, California, enlisted in the Navy in 1985 and advanced to the enlisted rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He received his commission as an Officer through the Limited Duty Officer program and was later re-designated to Unrestricted Line Officer.

Captain Fortson’s first Division Officer tour of duty was aboard USS OGDEN (LPD-5) where he served twenty-four months as Electronics Material Officer and Combat Systems Officer. His next Division Officer tour was aboard USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) where he served twenty-three months as the Electronics Material Officer and deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After completing Department Head School in Newport, Rhode Island, he reported to USS PRINCETON (CG 59) and served thirty months as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. As part of the XO-CO fleet-up program, he completed tours as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of USS WAYNE E MEYER (DDG 108) where he deployed twice to the Western Pacific as part of Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group.

His shore assignments include Electronics Material Officer, NCTAMSPAC, Fleet Navigator, COMNAVSURFPAC, Assistant Joint Training Officer, for Commander, Third Fleet, and Sea Combat Commander Lead for Carrier Strike Group Fifteen.

Captain Fortson is a graduate of the United States Naval War College, earning a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies at the College of Naval Command and Staff and concurrently completing a thirteen-month Maritime Advanced Warfare course. He completed his Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I) while in residency at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Captain Fortson has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (3 Awards), Navy Commendation Medal (8 awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (4 awards) as well as various unit and campaign awards.