USS VELLA GULF

Captain Robert D. Katz was commissioned through the NROTC program at the University of South Carolina in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. At sea, CAPT Katz served aboard USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), USS LABOON (DDG 58), and USS PRINCETON (CG 59). He had Command of USS STOUT (DDG 55) and then served as Operations Officer for Carrier Strike Group TWO. Ashore, CAPT Katz has served three PENTAGON tours. He was a Budget Analyst for the Director of Surface Warfare Division in OPNAV (N76), NATO Defense Planner and Budget Officer for Director of Strategy and Policy Division in OPNAV (N51), and Budget Analyst for the Program Budget Analysis Division on the Joint Staff (J-8). In Norfolk, VA he served as Fleet Command Center Director (N31) and the Current Operations Branch Head (N33) at United States Fleet Forces Command. CAPT Katz is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in Financial Management with the FM subspecialty and a Joint Qualified Officer. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.