Vice Adm. “Del” Crandall is a native of Elgin, Illinois. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program at Northwestern University, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in Economics. As a midshipman he earned silver "Dolphins," the enlisted submarine warfare qualification, on USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN 624 GOLD).

His first tour of duty was as communications officer and anti-submarine warfare officer on USS Lockwood (FF 1064), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, where he earned his surface warfare officer qualification. While serving as administrative assistant and aide to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Naval Warfare), Crandall was selected for the law education program. In 1992, he graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude. In 1999, he received a Masters of Law in International Law from The George Washington University, with highest honors.

Crandall has completed several assignments within Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) and the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG). NLSC assignments include defense counsel, prosecutor, and civil law department head at Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO) Northwest Pacific; and, commanding officer of NLSO Central, Pensacola, Florida. OJAG assignments include administrative law attorney; and, deputy executive assistant to the Judge Advocate General. He also served one year in the dual role of Assistant Judge Advocate General (Operations and Management) / Chief of Staff, Region Legal Service Offices.

Crandall’s staff and operational experience include staff judge advocate (SJA) and legal department head on USS Independence (CV 62), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan; deputy legal counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; deputy SJA for Naval Forces Europe; SJA for U.S. Sixth Fleet; SJA for U.S. European Command; legal advisor to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations; special counsel to the Chief of Naval Operations; deputy legal advisor to the National Security Council staff; and Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Crandall previously served as deputy judge advocate general of the Navy (DJAG) and commander, Naval Legal Service Command (CNLSC). As the DJAG, he also served as the deputy Department of Defense representative for Ocean Policy Affairs. As CNLSC, he led the attorneys, enlisted legalmen, and civilian employees of 14 commands that provide prosecution and defense services, legal assistance services to individuals, specialized legal training, and legal advice to Navy units around the world.

Crandall is the 45th judge advocate general of the Navy and serves as the principal military legal counsel to the secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations. He also leads the 2,500 attorneys, enlisted legalmen and civilian employees of the worldwide Navy JAG Corps community.

Crandall is a member of the state bar of Virginia. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).

Last Updated: 17 September 2021