CAPT. KATHRYN S. WIJNALDUM
Executive Officer, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
27 June 2025
Captain (CAPT) Kathryn “Kat” Wijnaldum is a native of Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy (USNA), a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, and a doctorate specializing in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. She was commissioned from USNA in May 2001 and designated a Nuclear Trained Surface Warfare Officer in 2007. She is a Joint Qualified Officer.
At sea, CAPT Wijnaldum served as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Officer in USS ANZIO (CG 68), Reactor Electrical Division Officer in USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), and First Lieutenant and Senior Watch Officer in the dock landing ship USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44).
Additionally, she served as Commanding Officer in Patrol Coastal Crew ECHO (PCCE), Main Propulsion Assistant in USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), and, Commanding and Executive Officer in USS OAK HILL (LSD 51). She has deployed in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) and completed several Mediterranean and Persian Gulf deployments. CAPT Wijnaldum reported to USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) in June 2025 to assume duties as the Executive Officer.
Ashore, CAPT Wijnaldum attended Naval Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Power Training Unit. Additionally, she served as: a Nuclear Trained Officer Recruiter in Navy Recruiting Region West Headquarters, a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Service Chief’s Fellow, and the lead naval forces Joint Working Group Lead in support of Global Force Management initiatives in the Joint Staff (J35 South). Most recently, she served as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Atlantic Surface Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team (SNPMTT).
CAPT Wijnaldum is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.