CDR Michael A. Walker Jr

Executive Officer, USS STETHEM (DDG 63)

18 October 2024 CDR Michael Walker is a native of Westbury, New York, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 following completion of the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Norwich University.

At sea, CDR Walker served in USS NORMANDY (CG 60) as Gunnery/Ordnance Officer, participating in Operation Unified Response following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and deploying to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. He then served in Patrol Coastal Crew Foxtrot, rotationally embarked in USS ZEPHYR (PC 8), USS MONSOON (PC 4), and deployed to 5th Fleet in USS TYPHOON (PC 5).

As an afloat Department Head, CDR Walker served twice as Operations Officer, first in USS RUSSELL (DDG 59) stationed in San Diego, and then in USS NEW ORLEANS (LPD 18), where he completed a homeport shift from San Diego to Sasebo, Japan, and conducted operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Ashore, CDR Walker’s assignments include serving as Seamanship and Navigation Instructor at the United States Naval Academy, Placement Officer and Executive Assistant at Surface Warfare Officer Distribution Division (PERS-41) at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. Most recently, he served as a Strategic Plans Officer, Joint Operational War Plans Division, in the Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5) at the Joint Staff.

His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.