Captain Christopher J. Schwarz graduated from Washington State University and holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI.
Captain Schwarz’s at sea assignments include Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in USS GARY (FFG 51),
Fire Control Officer in USS ROOSEVELT (DDG 80), Combat Systems Officer in USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101), and Commanding Officer in USS WHIRLWIND (PC 11). Captain Schwarz served as Executive
Officer in USS MASON (DDG 87) from October 2016 until April 2018 and Commanding Officer of USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) from June 2018 – November 2019. During these tours he deployed overseas six times and operated in the European, Africa, Central, and Pacific Command areas of responsibility
Ashore, he served as Surface Warfare Officer Detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS 41), action officer in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Plans and Policy (OPNAV N3N5), requirements branch chief in the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO), Joint Staff, J8 and Special Assistant to the 18th and 19th Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served as Executive Assistant to Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic. Most recently, Captain Schwarz was the Commanding Officer of Naval Leadership and Ethics Command, Dam Neck,
Captain Schwarz’s personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations, campaign medals, and service ribbons.
Last Updated: 17 July 2023