Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Commander Joseph M. Keenan Commanding Officer (December 2009 - April 2011)

---

Commander Joseph M. Keenan is a native of Glenolden, Pennsylvania and a 1991 graduate of Villanova University, located near Philadelphia, PA. He received his Commission through the Villanova NROTC program and also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Following initial Surface Warfare Officer training in Newport, RI, he served as Communications Officer in USS BOULDER (LST 1190) from 1992 until BOULDER was decommissioned in February 1994.

In February 1994, CDR Keenan reported for duty in USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) as a member of RAMAGE’s Commissioning Crew, serving as First Lieutenant and, later, as Damage Control Assistant.

Following his second division officer tour in RAMAGE, Commander Keenan attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security Affairs. Following graduation from the Surface Warfare Officer School Department Head Course in 1999, Commander Keenan served as Weapons Officer in USS LABOON (DDG 58) and later as Combat Systems Officer.

In March 2002, CDR Keenan reported to the OPNAV Staff in Washington, DC for assignment in the Navy Strategy and Policy Directorate (N51); Naval/Warfare Policy and Doctrine Branch. Subsequently, he was selected to be the Navy’s Federal Executive Fellow to The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs for the 2003/2004 academic year.

CDR Keenan served as Executive Officer, USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DDG 56) from October 2004 until October 2006. Subsequently, he reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron THIRTY-ONE as Chief Staff Officer, serving until June 2008. In July 2008, CDR Keenan reported to the U.S. Army War College Senior Officer course in Carlisle Barracks, PA where he earned a Masters Degree in Security Studies and was awarded “The Teaching Strategy Group Award” for distinction in strategic research and writing in June 2009.
Commander Keenan assumed command of USS CROMMELIN on December 16, 2009.

Commander Keenan personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), the Expert Rifle Medal, the Expert Pistol Medal and various unit awards and campaign medals.