Commander Joshua Cowart is a native of Jacksonville, FL. He graduated as the Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman and commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in 2008.
At sea, he served aboard USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) as the First Lieutenant and Food Service Officer, and with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron TWO (MSRON 2) as Boat Maintenance Officer and Detachment Officer-in-Charge. He served with CTG 56.5 as the Maintenance Facility Officer-in-Charge, as Weapons Officer aboard USS O’KANE (DDG 77), and as Executive Officer in both USS CHIEF (MCM 14) and USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109).
Selected to participate in the Personnel Exchange Program with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, CDR Cowart served as Operations Officer in HMS MIDDLETON (M34) and HMS CHIDDINGFOLD (M37), Executive Officer in HMS QUORN (M41), and as both Deputy Watch Leader and Expedition Purser with Expedition Antarctic Endurance 2016 (AE16).
CDR Cowart commanded USS CHIEF (MCM 14) and held acting command of HMS LEDBURY (M30) as the Senior Naval Officer. He assumed command of USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99) on 25 February, 2026.
Ashore, he served as Lead Speechwriter for the Combatant Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Jacksonville University, a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, and completed the Command and Staff Course through the Naval War College.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (4), Navy Achievement Medal (3), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. He is authorized to wear the Command at Sea, Surface Warfare Officer, Small Craft Officer-in-Charge, and Craftmaster insignias. He was appointed an Honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Mess of USS CHIEF and was recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award.