Capt. Dave Stoner is a native of Ansonia, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of North Florida earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. He attended the U.S. Naval War College earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Upon completion of Machinist Mate “A” School and the nuclear power training pipeline, Stoner served aboard USS Skipjack (SSN 585), USS Providence (SSN 719) and PCU Seawolf (SSN 21). In 1995, then a chief petty officer, he was commissioned at Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida as part of the inaugural class of the Seaman to Admiral program.

Stoner’s sea duty officer assignments include damage control assistant and later air defense officer, USS Hue City (CG 66); combat information center officer, USS Moosbrugger (DD 980); operations officer, USS Carney (DDG 64) and Hue City; executive officer and then commanding officer, USS Ramage (DDG 61); and most recently, commanding officer, USS Monterey (CG 61).

While in command of USS Ramage, the ship and crew made two Ballistic Missile Defense deployments to U.S. 6th Fleet in support of Operations Atlantic Sentry and Sharp Sentry where Ramage earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. While in command of Monterey, the ship and crew executed a seven-month surge deployment to U.S. 5th Fleet and led Operation Steadfast Protector as the primary firing platform and launch area coordinator for Tomahawk strikes, which decimated Syrian chemical weapons facilities. Monterey was awarded the 2018 Battenberg Cup award as the best ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Arizona Memorial award for excellence in Strike Warfare.

Ashore, he served at U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO), which later became U.S. Cyber Command. Additionally, he served as both the fleet liaison and chief of staff for the Missile Defense Agency, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Executive Office in Dahlgren, Virginia. He reported as commanding officer, Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) in May 2019.

Stoner’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards

Last Updated: 29 September 2020