Cmdr. Seth J. Marcusa
Deputy Commodore, Naval Surface Squadron FIVE
14 July 2022
Commander Marcusa is a native of Ridgewood, New Jersey and is a 2007 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in International Relations.
His first tour of duty was as Combat Information Center Officer in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CG 57), deploying twice to the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting Maritime Infrustructure Protection missions, Theater Ballistic Missile Defense, Freedom of Navigation operations, and Counter Piracy patrols in the waters surrounding the Horn of Africa.
His follow on sea assignments include two deployments as Executive Officer and Weapons Officer in USS WHIRLWIND (PC 11) and USS FIREBOLT (PC 10) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting frequent Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and side-by-side counterpart training with the Iraqi Navy in Maritime Infrastructure Protection for the Al-Basra and Khawr Al-Amaya Oil Terminals.
During his Department Head tours as Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer in USS GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10), he participated in the ship’s initial crew training, outfitting, delivery, sail around, combat systems qualification, and was the ship’s Commissioning Officer, responsible for the ceremony and all high level protocol with significant Presidential and Congressional participation related to the ship’s namesake.
His assignments ashore include service as an Individual Augmentee to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan: forward deployed to Camp Vance, Afghanistan, responsible for planning and execution of Afghan Key Leader Engagements (KLE) before returning to the Naval Academy to teach and mentor Midshipmen in the Department of Seamanship and Navigation as a Naval Science instructor. He reported to Surface Warfare Officers School, Newport, RI, in March, 2019, and served as the lead Maritime Warfare instructor in the N73 Directorate and is designated as a Navy Master Training Specialist.
He is a 2014 graduate of the United States Naval War College, holds a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Pennsylvania State University, specializing in Negotiations. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign awards.