CDR Michael J. McInerney

Commanding Officer, USS Russell (DDG 59)

30 October 2023 Commander McInerney is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. He graduated from Virginia Tech and commissioned through the Reserve Officers Training Corps in 2005.  He earned his master’s degree from the College of Naval Warfare at the Navy War College (NWC) and completed the Holloway Advanced Research Project in 2021.

At sea, CDR McInerney has served as the Executive Officer onboard USS RUSSELL (DDG 59). He was also the operations officer (OPS) on USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and the N3 for Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX (CDS-26) where he deployed with the HARRY S TRUMAN and the DWIGHT D EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Groups, respectively. As a division officer, CDR McInerney was the training officer for CDS-26 and the first lieutenant aboard USS VELLA GULF (CG 72). 

Ashore, CDR McInerney served as the deputy executive assistant to Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and in the Commander’s Action Group. Additionally, he taught at the Surface Warfare Officers School as the OPS billet specialty lead.  On his first shore assignment, CDR McInerney was the fleet scheduler for Atlantic based cruisers, destroyers, and frigates at Commander, U.S. Second Fleet and U.S. Fleet Forces Command.  

CDR McInerney’s personal awards include: VADM John D. Bulkeley Distinguished Graduate Leadership award, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various other unit and personal awards.