Captain Luis Angel Gonzalez is a native of Brooklyn, New York, a graduate of Phillips Academy, holding a Bachelor’s in Government & Economics from Harvard College and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. He commissioned in 2001 via the Boston Consortium Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit.
Afloat, he has served extensively on destroyers, operating in all Fleet areas and completed five deployments ranging from the Mediterranean, across the Indo-Pacific, and the High North. He served as First Lieutenant in USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), Fire Control Officer in USS LABOON (DDG 58), Chief Engineer in USS MOMSEN (DDG 92), Chief Engineer in USS CHOSIN (CG 65), and Executive Officer in USS BULKELEY (DDG 84). He supported Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and INHERENT RESOLVE.
Ashore, Captain Gonzalez served as Associate Professor of Naval Science at the University of Minnesota, as N74 Engineering and Material Readiness Military Deputy and Gas Turbine Division Head at Surface Warfare School Newport, as Executive Assistant to the Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO in Lisbon, Portugal and First Battalion Officer, U.S. Naval Academy.
His command tour was in USS BULKELEY (DDG 84), executing a comprehensive overhaul and certification plan, preparing her for assignment to Forward Deployed Naval Forces - Europe.
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (x2), Navy Commendation Medal (x4), Navy Achievement Medal (x2), and various unit and campaign awards.