Commanding Officer

Captain Phillip Kessler

Captain Kessler graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and received his commission via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May of 1983.

After completing Surface Warfare Officer School, Captain Kessler's initial sea tour was in USS COOK (FF 1083) where he served as Gunnery Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant from November 1983 to May 1986. He attained his Surface Warfare Officer qualification in January of 1986. He then served as Missiles Officer and Engineer Officer in USS HALSEY (CG 23) from September 1986 to May 1988. Following graduation from Surface Warfare Officer School Department Head Course, he served as Combat Systems Officer in USS KINKAID (DD 965) from October 1991 to May 1993. During this tour KINKAID deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch and was the history making sister ship to the Russian ship ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV (DDG 572). His next assignment was Combat Systems Officer in USS HALSEY (CG 23) from August 1993 to January 1994. He then reported as Executive Officer of USS FIFE (DD 991) in November 1996. He assumed Command of FIFE on December 16, 1996 after the tragic death of the Commanding Officer while FIFE was returning to her homeport of Yokosuka, Japan. He resumed duties as Executive Officer from January 24, 1997 until April 1998.

Captain Kessler's initial shore tour assignment was as a student at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California from June 1988 to December 1990 where he graduated with a Master of Science in Management through the Transportation Management curriculum. For his next shore assignment he served as Fleet Operations Officer for Military Sealift Command Far East from February 1994 to June 1996. He then served on the Chief of Naval Operations staff where he was responsible for Surface Warfare Training for all Combat Systems ratings from May 1998 until June 2000. He next reported to Navy Recruiting District Seattle as Executive Officer in August 2000 and served as Commanding Officer from February 2002 until September 2003. He reported to United States Northern Command in October 2003 and served as the Awareness and Warning Branch Chief for the Bi-National Planning Group until September 2004 and then served as the Deputy Political Advisor to Commander, NORAD and United States Northern Command. In July 2006 he reported to United States Seventh Fleet, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Theater Security Cooperation until August 2008. Captain Kessler reported to the University of Utah as Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science in August 2008.

Captain Kessler's personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and service ribbons.