Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen
Commanding Officer USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), Gold Crew
27 February 2021
Cmdr. Joseph Mitzen is a native of Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, and a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering.
Mitzen’s sea tours include: First Lieutenant aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33), Reactor Mechanical Division Officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Operations Officer aboard USS Kauffman (FFG 59), Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer aboard USS Indianapolis’ (LCS 17) Blue Crew.
Ashore, Mitzen served in a nuclear training billet at Commander, Naval Air Forces (Pacific); as the Surface Strike Requirements Officer at OPNAV N96; and as the Navy Programs Analyst in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
Mitzen’s post-graduate education includes a Master of Engineering Management degree from Old Dominion University as well as Joint Professional Military Education (Phase I).
His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1), and numerous unit and campaign awards