CDR Michael Sledge

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS STETHEM (DDG 63)

18 October 2024 CDR Michael Sledge is a native of San Manuel, AZ, and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2006. His shore tours have been at US Fleet Forces as a Maritime Homeland Defense and Defense Support to Civil Authorities planner, at Tactical Training Group Pacific as the Surface Warfare Syndicate Head, where he instructed, mentored and assessed Sea Combat Commanders, and the US Naval War College as a student. During his shore tours, he obtained a Master’s in Psychology from Walden University and a Masters in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.

His sea tours have comprised of USS HAWES (FFG 53) as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98) as the Training Officer, USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111) as the Operations Officer, USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56) as the Operations Officer / CCSG-10 Air Defense Officer and Destroyer Squadron 21 as the Chief Staff Officer / Operations Officer. He served as Executive Officer, USS STETHEM (DDG 63), before assuming command of USS STETHEM (DDG 63).

CDR Sledge’s personal awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and GWOT / GWOT Expeditionary awards.