Cmdr. Gwendolyn H. Murphy
Commanding Officer, USS James E Williams (DDG 95)
29 January 2024
Commander Murphy is a third-generation naval officer and native of Reading, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture. She holds a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and completed the Navy’s nuclear power training program, being designated a Nuclear Engineering Officer in 2010. Her operational assignments include Gunnery Officer in USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), Reactor Electrical Division Officer in USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Operations Officer in USS Stout (DDG 55) and Main Propulsion Assistant in USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Recently, she served as the Executive Officer on the James E. Williams, where she deployed to Sixth Fleet as the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two Flagship.
Ashore, she served as the speechwriter to the Director of Naval Reactors, carrier technical representative to the Deputy of Naval Reactors, China policy staff officer to the Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff in Washington, DC, and military aide to the Deputy Director Combined Joint Operation from the Sea Centre of Excellence, United States Fleet Forces Command. While onboard Nimitz, she received the Stennis Center for Public Service, Commander in Chief Pacific (CINCPAC) Leadership Award and was the 2010 Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Propulsion Plant Watch Officer of the Year. Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit and campaign medals.
CDR Murphy currently serves as Captain of the James E. Williams.