CDR Gabriel A. Varela Commanding Officer |
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Commander Varela is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. In September 1987, he enlisted as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Aircrewman. From 1989 to 1994, he was stationed with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One(VQ-1) forward deployed from Agana, Guam and subsequently the Naval Air Warfare Center in Indianapolis IN. After achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class, he was selected for the Seaman to Admiral Program and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in July 1995.
Between 1996 and 2007, Commander Varela served as an Engineering Division Officer in USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), as Navigator in USS ANTIETAM (CG 54), as Weapons Officer, Combat Systems Officer, and Executive Officer in USS McCAMPBELL(DDG 85), all ships were home ported in San Diego, California.
From 2008 through 2010 Commander Varela served as the Assistant Chief of Staff(ACOS) for Material(N4) for Commander Carrier Strike Group SEVEN(CCSG 7) embarked on USS RONALD REAGAN(CVN 76) home ported in San Diego, California.
Commander Varela holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Systems from the University of San Diego and is a graduate of the Naval War College with a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
His awards include three Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
Commander Varela reported to USS KIDD (DDG 100) in June 2011 as Executive Officer and Fleet-up to Commanding Officer in January 2013.