CAPT Steven Zielechowski

Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Group Western Pacific

20 November 2025 A native of Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, Captain Steven Zielechowski graduated from Villanova University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science degree in Network Operations and Technology as well as completing both the Naval War College Non-resident Program for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and the Joint and Combined Warfighting School Satellite Class for Joint Professional Military Education Phase II.

Afloat, CAPT Zielechowski completed his division officer tours aboard the cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) as the Combat Information Center Officer and then aboard the conventional aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) as a Main Propulsion Division Officer. During these sea tours, he made two deployments first to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and then throughout the Pacific Ocean in support of Commander Task Force 70.

CAPT Zielechowski completed his department head tours aboard the destroyer USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91) as the Operations Officer and the destroyer USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG 60) as the Combat Systems Officer. During these sea tours he made two deployments first to the Pacific Ocean in support of Commander Task Force 70, and then to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Most recently, he served as the Flag Secretary of the Commander, Seventh Fleet embarked aboard the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) for a patrol throughout Southeast Asia in support of Theater Security Cooperation in the region. CAPT Zielechowski served as the Executive Officer then Commanding officer of USS McCAMPBELL (DDG 85), Everett WA. As Commanding Officer, he led through the Maintenance Phase and the Basic Phase.

Ashore, CAPT Zielechowski served as an Action Officer for the Navy’s Task Force Energy (N43E) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He also has served as the Ballistic Missile Defense Policy Action Officer (N512) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. CAPT Zielechowski is currently the Strategy Implementation Branch Chief on the staff of United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6th Award) with four Gold Stars), and various service and campaign awards. He is qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Intend to assume the role of Officer in Charge of Naval Surface Group Western Pacific Detachment Sasebo on or about Thursday, 29 August 2025.