Captain Dan B. Uhls Commanding Officer
Captain Dan Uhls entered the Navy in 1988 via the NROTC program at Ole Miss
After graduating from the SWOS Division Officer’s course CAPT Uhls reported to his initial sea duty assignment onboard USS BELKNAP (CG-26), the forward deployed flagship of Commander SIXTH FLEET, homeported in Gaeta , Italy. While sailing in BELKNAP he served as both the Machinery Officer, Damage Control Assistant, and qualified as Surface Warfare Officer. In December 1989, BELKNAP served as the host of a Malta summit, during which Presidents Bush and Gorbachev declared an end to the Cold War.
In 1992, CAPT Uhls reported to the Pre-commissioning unit CAPE ST GEORGE (CG-71) as the Anti-Air Warfare Officer. In addition, he served as the project officer for initial installation and testing of the Cooperative Engagement Capability system, a prototypical advanced combat direction system. While onboard CAPE ST GEORGE he deployed to the Adriatic Sea in support of international sanctions against the former republics of Yugoslavia.
After completion of the SWOS Department Head curriculum in 1996, CAPT Uhls reported to USS LABOON (DDG-58), were he served as both Chief Engineer and Operations Officer. While onboard LABOON, he deployed to both the European and Central Command’s area of responsibility.
After detaching from LABOON in 1998, CAPT Uhls reported to USS WHIRLWIND (PC-11) as Commanding Officer. While in command of WHIRLWIND, the ship deployed in support of the Special Operations Commanders in the Southern, Central and European Command areas of responsibility. Under his command, WHIRLWIND sailed over 73,000 nautical miles calling on thirty-nine ports in twenty-one nations.
In 2002, CAPT Uhls reported to USS KAUFFMAN (FFG-59) as Executive Officer. While onboard, KAUFFMAN deployed into European and Central
In 2004, CAPT Uhls reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron SIX as Chief Staff Officer were he traveled extensively throughout Latin America. While at DESRON SIX, the staff was re-commissioned DESRON FOUR ZERO, and assumed responsibility to Naval Forces Southern Command for the conduct of all maritime operations within the United States Southern Command’s area of responsibility, and as the Navy’s executive agent for Counter-Narcotics Operations.
In 2007, CAPT Uhls assumed command of USS MITSCHER (DDG-57). While sailing in MITSCHER the ship deployed as the Air Defense Commander for Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group to the European and Central Command’s area of responsibility. In 2008 and 2009, MITSCHER was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award.
In 2009, CAPT Uhls reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington TN where he served as Reserve Officer Community Manager and subsequently as the head of Full Time Support Officer distribution.
CAPT Uhls’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with four gold stars). He is a graduate of both Army Command and General Staff College at FT Leavenworth KS, and the Navy War College. He is married to the former Brenda Barnes and has two children.