Cmdr. Michael R. Chesnut
Commanding Officer, USS Little Rock (LCS 9)
07 July 2021
Commander Michael Chesnut is a native of Augusta, Georgia. He is a 2005 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology. Upon commissioning, he earned a Master of Science degree in Systems Technology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
A career surface warfare officer, Commander Chesnut’s shipboard assignments include: USS PREBLE (DDG 88) as Electrical Officer and Navigator, USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3) as Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer, and Commanding Officer of USS SHAMAL (PC 13). Ashore, he served as Flag Aide to the Chief of Naval Research. Following command of USS SHAMAL, he was selected as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate. Most recently, Commander Chesnut served as an Integrated Air and Missile Defense Officer on the Joint Staff, J-3.
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.