Cmdr. Stephen C. Prugh
Commanding OFFICER, USS MITSCHER (DDG 57)
18 June 2025
Hailing from Chester, Va., Cmdr. Stephen Prugh graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 2007 with a B.A. in Economics and Business and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in March 2008. He reported to MCM Crew Persistent in Ingleside, Texas, in July 2008.
His afloat tours include Combat Information Center (CIC) Officer and Assistant Operations Officer on board MCM Crew Persistent, Fire Control Officer (FCO) on board USS Decatur (DDG 73), Operations Officer on board USS Mitscher (DDG 57), and Operations Officer on board USS Normandy (CG 60), and as Executive Officer on board USS Mitscher (DDG 57).
Ashore, CDR Prugh served at Navy Personnel Command (PERS-41), the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N96), and Joint Staff, J5, Strategic Plans and Policy. At PERS-41, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Junior Officer Detailer and SWO Junior Officer Shore Coordinator. At OPNAV N96, he was the Congressional Liaison Officer for the Director, Surface Warfare. At Joint Staff, J5, he served as a Pol-Mil Action Officer within Counter Threats and International Cooperation (CTIC).
Prugh currently serves as the Commanding Officer of USS Mitscher (DDG 57).
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5), the Navy Achievement Medal (2), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.