CAPT Christine R. O'Connell Commanding Officer |
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Captain Christine R. O’Connell of Houston, Texas, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. She holds a master’s degree in Political Science from Auburn University Montgomery.
At sea, she served as Main Propulsion Assistant in USS WILLAMETTE (AO 180), Assistant Operations Officer in USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79), Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG 60). Her most recent afloat tour was as Executive Officer then Commanding Officer in USS WINSTON S CHURCHILL (DDG 81), Norfolk. She has deployed to FIFTH, SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility.
Her staff assignments include Enlisted Programs Officer for Navy Recruiting District Montgomery, Alabama; Flag Protocol for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; Surface Warfare Junior Officer Sea/Shore Coordinator (PERS-412B) for Navy Personnel Command; and Deputy Director for Strategy and Warfighting Integration in the Surface Warfare directorate (OPNAV N96Z/N96F1).
Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, and Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars. She served on teams awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and Battle E.