Cmdr. Michael A. Schenk
Commanding Officer, USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66)
25 July 2025
Commander Michael Schenk is a native of Atlanta, GA and graduated in 2006 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2007.
At sea, he served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) as part of Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan. He then served as Reactor Propulsion and Mechanical Division Officer aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). His department head tours include Operations Officer on USS Cole (DDG 67) and Reactor Training Assistant on USS Harry S. Truman. From 2022-2024, he served as Executive Officer on USS Stout (DDG 55). Most recently, he was the N35/FOPS and SCC Assessor at Carrier Strike Group Four.
His initial shore assignment was as a Fleet Watch Officer and Assistant Battle Watch Captain at the US Fleet Forces Maritime Operations Center. Following his department head tours, CDR Schenk was a Junior Board Member on the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, Atlantic followed by the Combat ID Section Chief for Joint Staff, J6, Joint Fires Integration Division.
He has various personal and campaign awards while serving on teams recognized with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendations, seven Battle Efficiency Awards, two ASW Bloodhound Awards, and the Pacific Fleet Marjorie Sterrett Award.