CAPT. Nathan L. Rowan
Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron Two Eight
14 November 2023
A native of Tennessee, Captain Rowan graduated from Tennessee State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. He was commissioned through NROTC at Vanderbilt University. In 2013, he obtained his first Master’s Degree in Military Operational Arts and Science from the Air and Command Staff College. In 2019, he obtained his second Master’s Degree in Information Systems from University of North Florida.
His previous sea duty assignments include: Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical in USS JOHN YOUNG (DD 973); Propulsion One Officer in USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7); Navigator in USS BOONE (FFG 28); Engineer Officer in USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99); Engineer Officer in USS VICKSBURG (CG 69); Executive Officer in USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58); and Commanding Officer in USS WICHITA (LCS13) and USS BILLINGS (LCS 15), where he was the commissioning CO for both ships. He has deployed to the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea in support of Counter-narcotic operations as well as deploying multiple times to the Fifth Fleet and supported Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He was previously assigned as Branch Chief for Land, Sea and Nuclear for JCS J8, Force Application Division and is now currently serving as Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO EIGHT.
Shore assignments include: Afloat Training Group Mayport, Air Command and Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and OPNAV N83 as the Performance to Plan (P2P) Lead.
Captain Rowan’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (6), Navy Achievement Medal (3), and Good Conduct Medal.