CDR Kurt Albaugh

Commanding Officer, USS STERETT (DDG 104)

30 August 2024 Commander Kurt Albaugh graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Honors English. He holds Master of Arts degrees in English from George Mason University and in Security Studies from Georgetown University. As an Arthur S. Moreau Scholar, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Government from Georgetown University. He is a designated naval strategist.

At sea, Commander Albaugh previously commanded USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6). Additional sea tours include duty as Combat Information Center Officer and Auxiliaries officer in USS McCLUSKY (FFG 41), Fire Control Officer and Navigator in USS CARNEY (DDG 64), Engineer Officer in USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108), and Executive Officer in both USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6) and USS STERETT (DDG 104).

Ashore, Commander Albaugh served as an instructor at the United States Naval Academy and as speechwriter for the Chief of Naval Operations.

Commander Albaugh has served with teams that earned the Battle “E,” the Battenberg Cup, and two awards of the Spokane Trophy. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of fourth award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is a recipient of the Surface Navy Association’s Arleigh Burke Award for Operational Excellence.