CAPT Duff was raised in Gig Harbor, Washington.  He studied Computer Engineering at Washington State University and selected for the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program in 2000, receiving his commission via Officer Candidate School in 2001.

     His first tour of duty was aboard USS McCampbell (DDG 85), where he served as Strike Officer and later First Lieutenant.  He completed the nuclear power training pipeline and reported to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) where he served as a Reactor Propulsion Division Officer and qualified as a Nuclear Engineer Officer.  While assigned to Nimitz, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

    CAPT Duff served as Operations Officer onboard USS Ingraham (FFG 61).  He served as Commanding Officer, PC Crew Charlie and commanded USS Tempest (PC 2) and USS Hurricane (PC 3) in Little Creek, Virginia as well as USS Firebolt (PC 10) in Manama, Bahrain. CAPT Duff served as Reactor Electrical Assistant onboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Yokosuka, Japan.  He served two years as Executive Officer and fleeted up to Command of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Blue Crew.  Most recently, he was the Reactor Officer onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

    Ashore, CAPT Duff served as Division Director, Enlisted Reactor Principles Division, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC).  While assigned to NNPTC, he completed his Joint Professional Military Education (JPME Phase I) from the Naval War College.  CAPT Duff also served as Test and Assessments Planner for Integrated Air and Missile Defense, U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

    CAPT Duff’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards.   

Last Updated: 29 May 2024