CDR Leigh R. Tate

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111)

09 April 2024 Commander Leigh R. Tate is a native of San Diego, California and is a 2006 graduate of San Diego State University. He received his commission via Officer Candidate School in July, 2007. CDR Tate holds a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in International Relations and a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is an Anti-Submarine / Anti-Surface Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) and earned his patch in 2019.
 
Afloat, CDR Tate served as the Assistant Navigator onboard USS TARAWA (LHA 1) and as the Navigator onboard USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8). During these tours he deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. His department head tours include assignments as the Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer onboard USS CORONADO (LCS 4) and USS OMAHA (LCS 12). He completed CORONADO’s 7th Fleet deployment, a first for the INDEPENDENCE class variant of the Littoral Combat Ship.
 
Ashore, CDR Tate served on the USINDOPACOM staff. He served as a lead SWATT (Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training) Planner at the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) and most recently as the Flag Aide to Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command / Naval Forces Northern Command / Naval Forces Strategic Command.
 
CDR Tate’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Joint Achievement Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit and campaign awards.