Cmdr. Preston T. Holt
Executive Officer, USS Porter (DDG 78)
05 March 2026
A native of Burke, Virginia, Commander Preston Holt graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Masters of Professional Studies in Leadership, Education, and Development from University of Maryland.
Afloat, Commander Holt completed his Division Officer tours in Norfolk, Virginia onboard USS LABOON (DDG-58) as the Strike Officer and USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55) as the Navigator. His two Department Head tours were onboard USS TRUXTUN (DDG-103) as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. He made four deployments to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility in support of various operations, as well as in support of Standing NATO Maritime Groups One and Two.
Ashore, Commander Holt served as a Company Officer and Instructor of Seamanship and Navigation at the United States Naval Academy, and Executive Officer and Instructor at Surface Combat Systems Training Command, Aegis Training and Readiness Center. He completed his Joint tour as the Sealift Recapitalization and Sealift Distribution Officer at the Joint Staff Logistics Directorate.
Commander Holt’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service, Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (Gold star in lieu of fourth award), Joint Service Achievement, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, as well as multiple unit and service awards.