CDR Michael Walker

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS STETHEM (DDG 63)

27 February 2026 CDR Michael Walker is a native of Westbury, New York, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science 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 earthquake in Haiti and deploying to the Mediterranean and Middle East. He then served in Patrol Coastal Crew Foxtrot, rotationally embarked in USS ZEPHYR (PC 8), USS MONSOON (PC 4), and deployed to the Middle East 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 executed a homeport shift from San Diego to Sasebo, Japan and conducted operations in the Western Pacific.

Ashore, CDR Walker served as Seamanship and Navigation Instructor at the Naval Academy, and as a Placement Officer and Executive Assistant at Surface Officer Career Management Division (PERS-41) at Navy Personnel Command. In 2022 he was assigned as a Plans Officer, Joint Operational War Plans Division, in the Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5) at the Joint Staff.

Most recently, CDR Walker served as Executive Officer in USS STETHEM (DDG 63).

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