CDR James Giles

Commanding Officer, USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123)

29 November 2023 Commander James Giles hails from Scranton, PA where he joined the Navy in 1999. He reported to USS McClusky (FFG-41) in 2000 as a member of Auxiliaries Division where he completed 2 counter narcotics operations deployments.

In 2003, CDR Giles was selected for the STA-21 Program. Upon completion of the Naval Science Institute in Newport, RI, he attended the University of Arizona and received a B.A. (cum laude) in Political Science. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy and selected Surface Warfare. 

James’ sea tours include service as Communications Officer and Navigator in USS Chafee (DDG-90) and Chief Engineer in USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115). While serving at sea, he deployed in support of the Global War on Terror in Africa and the Arabian Gulf and completed 3 deployments to Seventh Fleet. His most recent tour was as Executive Officer in USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123).

Ashore, James attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning a master’s degree in Politics and Public Policy and served as Officer in Charge of the University of Pennsylvania NROTC unit. He completed a Federal Executive Fellowship at the Stimson Center in Washington D.C. He also served as Director of the Navy Warfare Group, OPNAV N5i6, and Executive Assistant to OPNAV N5 (Plans, Policy and Integration). 

Jimmy has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), as well as various unit and service decorations.