LCDR James C. Nafsey

CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, AMPHIBIOUS SQUADRON 11 (CPR 11)

15 June 2025 Lieutenant Commander Nafsey is a native of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He earned a NROTC scholarship to the University of Arizona, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources - Wildlife Sciences and receiving his commission in May 2008. Nafsey earned a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from National University.

His initial sea duty assignment was aboard USS ASHLAND (LSD 48) based in Little Creek, Virginia. In 2010, he reported to USS AVENGER (MCM 1) in Sasebo, Japan, where he served as Damage Control Assistant. After graduating from Department Head School in May 2016, he reported to USS DEVASTATOR (MCM 6) in Bahrain, serving as Operations Officer until April 2017. He then served as Training Officer aboard USS WASP (LHD 1) in Sasebo, Japan.

Ashore, Lieutenant Commander Nafsey served six months in Afghanistan as part of the NTM-A/C-STCA battle watch. Following this deployment, he was stationed as an instructor for Maritime Prepositioning Staff Planning at EWTG-PAC in Coronado, California. Following his department head tours, LCDR Nafsey served as Operations Officer at Maritime Expeditionary Security Group Two in Little Creek, Virginia. From May 2021 through November 2021, LCDR Nafsey served as Data Analyst for Counter-Measures Acceleration Group in Washington D.C. as part of the COVID vaccine distribution response.

Nafsey’s decorations include one Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one Meritorious Service Medal, one Joint Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and multiple unit and service awards.

Lieutenant Commander Nafsey assumed the role of Chief Staff Officer overseeing Amphibious Squadron ELEVEN in January 2025.