CDR Joe Lewis

Executive Officer, USS STETHEM (DDG 63)

27 February 2026 Commander Lewis grew up in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Monacan High School. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and commissioned in 2011 through UVA NROTC. He earned his Master of Arts from the Naval War College in 2019 in Defense and Strategic Studies and his Joint Professional Military Education.

Afloat, CDR Lewis served as Main Propulsion Officer on USS VELLA GULF (CG 72) from June 2011 to September 2013 and completed an 8-month independent deployment to the 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Joe fleeted up onboard VELLA GULF and served as the Fire Control Officer from December 2013 to December 2015 during which time VELLA GULF deployed to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. He served onboard USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111) as Weapons Officer and then as Combat Systems Officer from October 2019 to July 2022. During this time, SPRUANCE deployed with ABRAHAM LINCOLN STRIKE GROUP to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Ashore, CDR Lewis graduated from Integrated Air and Missile Defense Warfare Tactics Instructor (IAMD WTI) class 16010 and served at NSMWDC det IAMD in Dahlgren, Virginia. Most recently, he served as the IAMD Cell Lead and Live Fire with a Purpose Director at Naval Surface and Mine warfighting Development Center in San Diego, CA.

His award include the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), Navy Battle Efficiency ‘E,’ and various service, expeditionary, unit and campaign awards.