CDR Calvin W. Dillard

Executive Officer, USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) BLUE CREW

11 September 2024 Commander Calvin Dillard is a native of Georgia.  He earned a Bachelor of Business degree with a focus in Finance from Morehouse College and was commissioned in December 2017. He holds a master’s in National Security Affairs from the Naval Post-Graduate School.

Operationally, he served as Electronic Warfare and Combat Information Center Officer aboard USS TORTUGA (LSD 46). During his second division officer tour, he served as Damage Control Assistant on USS GARY (FFG 51). As a Department Head, Commander Dillard served as the Combat Systems Officer onboard USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2), where he managed the Post-Shakedown Availability and crew swap to USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS10).  He then fleeted up as the Operations Officer and led the ship through Contractor Sea Trials, Basic Phase, Advanced Phase, and USS GABRIELLE GIFFORD’s maiden deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Operations. For his post-department head he worked on the DESRON ONE staff as the Training Officer (N7).

His ashore assignments include duty at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center as a Contracting Officer and the Sustainment Repair Officer. Also, as the Flag Aide to VADM Kitchener, Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific.
Commander Dillard has deployed to the Western Pacific, where he has participated in numerous joint, bi-lateral, and multi-national exercises. He has also deployed to the Southern Pacific Theatre in support of counter drug operations.

Commander Dillard’s personal military awards and decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various unit and service awards.