LCDR Sean J. Barner

Commanding Officer, USS Chief (MCM 14)

28 August 2024 A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Barner enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and completed recruit training at MCRD Paris Island, South Carolina. He served 8 years in the enlisted ranks as an Administrative and Legal Clerk with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Twentynine Palms, California and later deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 2 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Vehicle Gunner and Company Clerk.

He’s a 2011 graduate of Georgia State University, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and earning his commission through Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) at NROTC Morehouse College. Barner is also a 2018 graduate of the University of California, San Diego, completing his Master of Advance Studies degree in International Affairs at the Global School of Policy and Strategy, joining the ranks of the Navy’s Naval Strategist Cadre and Indo-Pacific Cadre.

Afloat, Barner completed his division officer tours aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the Interior Communications Officer, Fire Control Officer, and Electrical Division Officer and then with USS Independence (LCS 2) Blue Crew as the Main Propulsion Assistant and Damage Control Assistant. His department head tour was as the, followed by a tour as the Current Operations Officer for Amphibious Squadron FIVE in San Diego, CA. Barner recently served as the Executive Officer onboard USS Chief (MCM 14). Ashore, Barner served as an Officer Instructor with NROTC University of San Diego in San Diego, CA.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon, and various campaign, expeditionary and unit awards. Barner is also a recipient of the 2020 Commander, Naval Forces Pacific Junior Officer Excellence in Tactics award.