CDR James D. Hostetler

Past COMMANDING OFFICER, USS SAMPSON (DDG 102)

28 September 2023 Commander Hostetler enlisted in the Navy in July 1997 as an Electronics Technician before being selected for the Seaman to Admiral Program in 2003. He is a 2006 graduate of The University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology. He earned a master’s degree in Sociology from The George Washington University and graduated with highest distinction from the Naval War College with a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Afloat, he completed his division officer tours as CIC Officer, First Lieutenant, Force Protection Officer and Damage Control Assistant in USS CARNEY (DDG 64) from 2006-2010, deploying to the 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet Area of Operations. He completed his department head tours as Operations Officer in USS ROSS (DDG 71), coordinating and executing a homeport shift to Rota, Spain. In April 2015, he reported as Operations Officer in USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) while deployed as Flagship to Commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two. His most recent assignment was as Executive Officer of USS SAMPSON (DDG 102).

Ashore, Commander Hostetler served as the Surface Warfare Instructor and Assistant Professor of Naval Science at The George Washington University NROTC Unit in Washington, D.C. He also served as Maritime Operations Center Executive Officer and the European Strategy Officer on the combined staff of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. SIXTH Fleet in Naples, Italy, as well as Flag Aide to the Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet and Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa.

Commander Hostetler’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards) and various unit and campaign service awards.