CDR Steven Gonzalez

Past Commanding Officer, USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32)

23 October 2024 CDR Steven Gonzalez is a native of Miami, FL and enlisted in the Navy in 1996 as an Electronic Technician. In 2005, he was commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral 21 program. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University, a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University Boston, MA, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College Newport, RI and is a graduate of the Joint and Combined Warfighting School (JCWS) JPME-II.

CDR Gonzalez sea assignments include the USS BOONE (FFG 28) where he served as Main Propulsion Division Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, completing a Mediterranean deployment as part of Standing Naval Maritime Group 1 and a Counter Narcotics and Terrorism Operation deployment. After completing Department Head School, he was assigned to USS Makin Island (LHD 8) as the Combat Systems Officer, completing a Western Pacific deployment. He then served as Operations Officer onboard USS OMAHA (LCS 12) Crew 213 where he is an official plank owner. His last afloat assignment was as Executive Officer onboard, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan.

CDR Gonzalez shore assignments include the Joint Task Force Guantanamo in support of detainee operations serving as Joint Operations Watch Officer; instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School Newport, RI in the Maritime Warfare Directorate (N73); Operations Officer, Navy Operational Support Center San Diego; Flag Secretary for the Chief of Navy Reserve; Force Training Officer (N7B) for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.

CDR Gonzalez assumed Command of USS SANTA BARBARA (LCS 32) GOLD, Crew 230 on 11 June 2023.

CDR Gonzalez personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), and various campaign and unit awards.