Cmdr. James Koffi
Executive Officer, USS Truxtun (DDG 103)
23 January 2024
CDR Koffi, a native of Memphis, TN graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 via the Naval Academy Preparatory School with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He holds a Master’s degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School.
CDR Koffi reported in June 2007 as STRIKE/Assistant Weapons Officer in USS BARRY (DDG 52). During his tour, USS BARRY deployed to the 6
th Fleet AOR and was the 2
nd U.S. Destroyer to deploy to the Black Sea following the Russian/Georgian conflict in 2008.
CDR Koffi reported in November 2009 as Damage Control Assistant in USS COWPENS (CG 63) Forward Deployed in the 7
th Fleet AOR. During his tour, he led historical and unprecedented efforts to mitigate radiological contamination while USS COWPENS participated in OPERATION TOMADACHI, March-May 2011.
CDR Koffi reported in June 2015 as Weapons Officer in USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109), deploying to 6th Fleet AOR. In October 2016, CDR Koffi fleeted-up to Combat Systems Officer and was instrumental in JASON DUNHAM receiving the highest DDG INSURV score in the fleet (92%) in May 2017. While onboard JASON DUNHAM, CDR Koffi was the 2016 Destroyer Squadron 28 SWO of the Year Nominee and a recipient of the 2017 Navy-Marine Corps Leadership Award.
Ashore, CDR Koffi served as Command Qualification Program Assistant and ship handling instructor at the Surface Warfare Officers School, on the OPNAV staff as Special Assistant and Flag Aide to the 39
th Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and at PERS-41 as the Surface 1
st Tour Department Head Detailer.
CDR Koffi’s most recent assignment was on the Joint Staff J-8 as a Defense Program Analyst in the Program & Budget Analysis Division which integrates all of the Service budget submissions and develops coordinated, accurate, relevant and timely advice for Joint Force planning, programming, budgeting and execution decisions. CDR Koffi maintained the INDOPACOM, USFK, and MDA portfolios during three Program and Budget Reviews (PBRs) leading 25 multi-service officers representing the entire Joint Staff to help shape critical investments and budget resources supporting over $25B in National Defense Strategy objectives and priorities.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 Awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 Awards), and various unit and campaign awards.