Cmdr. Jose Garza, a native of Alice, Texas, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1990, and after boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Nuclear Trained Machinist Mate “A” School. He was selected to attend Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training and earned his commission through the Navy ROTC program at Tulane University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2008 from the U.S. Naval War College.

His operational tours include Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 12, completing two deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) and with the 13 th MEU embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); communications department head, administrative department head and operations officer, VQ-3; executive officer, TACRON 22, deploying aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 2) to U.S. 5 th Fleet; commanding officer, TACRON 22, deploying aboard USS Wasp (LHD 2).

His shore tours include navigator/airborne communications officer instructor and mission commander evaluator, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4; naval flight officer/navigator instructor at 562nd Flying Training Squadron; nuclear command control and communications and Mode 5 identification friend or foe requirements officer, Chief of Naval Operations staff, N2N6; NATO Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence.

Garza has accumulated over 2,500 hours of flight time in the E-6 Mercury. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and various other personal, campaign and unit level awards.

Last Updated: 25 October 2023