Capt. Francis D. Conole
DEPUTY COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON 50
01 July 2024
Conole, a native of Syracuse, New York, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
As a surface warfare officer, Conole served on the USS Wasp (LHD-1) where he led a division as the main propulsion officer, qualified as officer of the deck, and earned his surface warfare pin. Subsequently, Conole served as the Damage Control Assistant on the USS Carney (DDG-64). He continued his service beyond active duty with affiliation to the Navy Reserves in 2008.
Conole deployed five times in support of various operations to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, New Dawn, European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. In 2010, Conole mobilized to Iraq supporting 5
th Special Forces Group as a J35 planner for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula. In 2023, Conole deployed as U.S. Naval Forces Europe’s LNO to Security Assistance Group Ukraine (SAG-U where he advised the SAG-U Commander on critical operational and strategic issues in the maritime domain and supported Ukrainian and Allied Partners to deter Russian aggression in support of Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce.
Reserve command assignments include Beachmaster Unit Two and Carrier Strike Group Four Det Bronx and staff assignments include Military Sealift Command, Chief of Naval Operations N81 and Carrier Strike Group Four where Conole is currently assigned.
Conole has also had a civilian career as a national security professional as a Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy (OSD-P) guiding defense policy with Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon and as a Senior Intelligence Analyst focused on the Middle East.
His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as various campaign and service awards.