Cmdr. Samuel D. Higginbotham, a native of Wesson, Mississippi, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1994 and earned his commission in 2004 through the Seaman to Admiral program. He graduated in 2004 from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

​At sea, Higginbotham served aboard USS Nicholson (DD 982); first lieutenant, auxiliaries officer and damage control assistant aboard USS Mahan (DDG 72), where he deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet; chief engineering officer aboard USS Barry (DDG 52), where he deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group; and executive officer and commanding officer aboard Mahan, where he deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet.​ 

Ashore, he served as engineering project officer at Engineering Assessments Atlantic; and N77 director at Surface Warfare Schools Command Engineering Learning Site. 

Higgenbotham reported to Mariner Skills Training Center Atlantic as commanding officer in December 2024.​

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various campaign and unit awards. 

Last Updated: 21 January 2025