CDR Paul A. Archer

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS PREBLE (DDG 88)

12 July 2024 A native of western New York, CDR Archer was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2008 when he graduated from Penn State University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Crime, Law & Justice. He later earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies through the Naval War College.

His sea assignments include Gunnery Officer and Damage Control Division Officer aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Fire Control and Force Protection Officer aboard USS Cole (DDG 67), Weapons and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and Executive Officer of USS Preble (DDG 88). He has deployed to the C4F AOR in support of Operation Continuing Promise and the C5F/C6F AORs in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Ashore, he served as Officer Candidate School Lead Instructor at Officer Training Command, Newport and as Training Officer and Deputy Director of Sailing at the United States Naval Academy.

He assumed command of USS Preble (DDG 88) in July 2024.

His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and other personal, service, and unit awards.