Cmdr. David P. Nicolas
Commanding Officer, USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79)
26 June 2025
Commander Dave Nicolas hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 2015 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, with focuses on History and National Security Affairs.
His previous operational assignments include tours as the Gunnery Officer in USS FORD (FFG-54), Navigator in USS MOMSEN (DDG-92), and Operations Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG-81). Prior to assuming Command, he served as Executive Officer in USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG-79). His shore assignments include a tour at Commander, Navy Region Northwest, first as a Regional Operation Center Watch Commander, followed by duties as Flag Aide to Commander, Navy Region Northwest. Additionally, he was assigned to the Surface Warfare Directorate (N96) of the OPNAV Staff as the Resource Officer for guns, ammunition, counterunmanned aerial systems, directed energy systems, and terminal defense development.
Commander Nicolas assumed his duties as Commanding Officer of USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG-79) in May 2025.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as various unit and expeditionary awards.