Capt. Javier Medina
Commanding Officer, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4
20 July 2023
Captain Javier “Javy” Medina is a native of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. In 1988, he enlisted in the US Navy; his first duty assignment was onboard USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) and then USS Enterprise (CVN 65). In 1998, he graduated from Norfolk State University and received his commission through the Enlisted Commissioning Program. His afloat assignments include division officer tours onboard USS Carr (FFG 52) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56). Combat Systems Officer, USS Hawes (FFG 53); Requirements Officer / Science & Technology Manager, Riverine Group One (RIVGRU ONE); Staff Officer, Expeditionary Strike Group Two (ESG TWO); Principal Assistant, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); Executive Officer and Commanding Officer Afloat, Beachmaster Unit Two (BMU TWO); and Chief Staff Officer, Amphibious Squadron Four (PHIBRON FOUR); during this tour, he was hand selected to serve as the Executive Officer onboard USS Wasp (LHD 1).
His shore assignments include Afloat Training Group Atlantic (ATGL), Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC), and Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR). His most recent duty assignment was in the Joint Staff (J7), Joint Force Development Directorate - Deployable Training Division, where he served as Team Chief in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) United States European Command (USEUCOM), and United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) training and exercise programs. Captain Medina is designated as a Joint Qualified Officer.
Captain Medina earned a bachelor of science degree in Computer Science, a master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis on Information Systems, and a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Technology with a concentration in Applied Computer Science. He is the President of the Association Naval Services Officers (ANSO) Norfolk Chapter.
Captain Medina screened for Major Command Afloat. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of a 2nd award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Silver and Gold Stars in lieu of a 7th award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of a 2nd award), Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, and other unit and campaign awards.