2020 WEST: Premier Sea Services Event San Diego

CAPT Daniel Straub, USN
Division Chief, Strategy, Policy, & Plans – Asia
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (J5)


Captain Dan Straub grew up in Womelsdorf, PA, graduated from Conrad Weiser High School, and joined the Navy in 1983. CAPT Straub earned his Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, a Master’s degree from Boston University, and a PhD from Naval Postgraduate School. Afloat tours include serving as a Fire Control Technician working on the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System in USS MANITOWOC (LST-1180). He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1991. After 13 years enlisted service, CAPT Straub was commissioned 1996 and reported to USS FORD (FFG 54) as First Lieutenant. He also served aboard USS ARCTIC (AOE 8) as Damage Control Assistant; aboard USS SHOUP (DDG 86) as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer; aboard USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) as Executive Officer and subsequently as Commanding Officer. After decommissioning INGRAHAM, CAPT Straub first commissioned and assumed command of LCS Crew 208, “MONTGOMERY BLUE,” then commissioned and assumed command of USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8). His shore tours include: Assistant Professor NROTC Boston University; Executive Officer, Afloat Training Group, Pacific Northwest, charged with operational and combat training for 7 U.S. Navy ships and 15 US Coast Guard Cutters; Naval Postgraduate School as a Doctoral Candidate in National Security Affairs, writing his dissertation on the pros and cons of using private security companies in United Nations peacekeeping operations; and he most recently completed an assignment as a Senior Military Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) as part of the Navy’s Federal Executive Fellowship program. While in command of USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) CAPT Straub executed a Combating-Transnational Organized Crime deployment in support of Operation Martillo, during which INGRAHAM was responsible for the capture of nine drug smuggling vessels, apprehension of 29 suspects, and 11,937 kg of cocaine valued at $561M. Additionally, while deployed, INGRAHAM participated in UNITAS, SIFOREX, & played a critical role in Fourth Fleet Theater Security Cooperation activities. CAPT Straub’s second afloat command was as Commanding Officer of USS MONTGOMERY (LCS 8) BLUE Crew. While in command of MONTGOMERY he went through the pre-commissioning process, commissioned the ship, and sailed her from Mobile, AL through the Panama Canal to her homeport of San Diego, CA. CAPT Straub is currently serving on the Joint Staff (J5) as Division Chief - China, Taiwan, and Mongolia. CAPT Straub has deployed to the Atlantic, Pacific, & Indian oceans, the Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Sea, South China Sea, and Arabian Gulf, among other places. Commander Straub’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7 Awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 Awards), and various command and campaign awards.

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