CDR Jose B. Cortez II
Executive Officer
A native of Spain, Commander Jose Cortez is a 2003 graduate of Old Dominion University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literature. He was commissioned in June 2003 through the Enlisted Commissioning Program.
Commander Cortez enlisted in the US Navy in 1993 serving at a number of commands. His first 2 years as an enlisted Sailor, he served as an Undesignated Airman while stationed at Fighter Squadron 31 at NAS Miramar, CA. He attended Yeoman A School in 1995. His last two enlisted assignments were at NAS Patuxent River, MD (1995-1997) and COMSIXTFHLT (1997-2001).
Commander Cortez served in a variety of sea and shore assignments as a Naval Officer. His assignments include Gunnery Officer and Information Systems Officer aboard USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68), Assistant Damage Control Assistant aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), Operations Officer at Task Force SIX EIGHT, Combat Systems Officer aboard USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37), Officer-in-Charge at Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR, Combat Systems Officer at Coastal Patrol Squadron ONE, and Chief Staff Officer at Commander Destroyer Squadron FOUR ZERO.
Commander Cortez’ military awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (eight awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and a number of other personal and campaign awards.