Rear Admiral Joseph A. Walsh, from Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He has also received a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Catholic University of America.

After completing nuclear power training and the Submarine Officer's Basic Course, he reported to his first assignment, USS Skipjack (SSN 585), where he served as main propulsion assistant and weapons officer.

Walsh was then assigned as a staff instructor at the Nuclear Power Training Unit, Idaho Falls, Idaho, from May 1981 to May 1983. Following completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in December 1983, he served as engineer on board USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) from December 1983 until January 1987.

From January 1987 to January 1989, Walsh served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the submarine department head detailer. Walsh next reported as executive officer, USS Ohio (SSBN 726) (Blue), where he served from May 1989 to July 1991.

Following a brief tour on the staff of the Secretary of Defense, Walsh reported as the Naval aide to the president, serving both President George H. W. Bush and President William J. Clinton from July 1992 to January 1994.

Walsh served as commanding officer of USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) from December 1994 through July 1997. While under his command, Hyman G. Rickover completed a North Atlantic deployment and was twice awarded the Submarine Squadron 8 Battle Efficiency "E" as well as the Golden Anchor Award.

Immediately following his command tour, he reported to the Division of Naval Reactors in Washington, where he served as special assistant to the deputy director and prospective commanding officer instructor. In July 1999, Walsh assumed the duties as commander, Submarine Development Squadron 12, overseeing six submarines and the Submarine Force's tactical development. From there, he served as chief of staff, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. While in this assignment, he was selected to flag rank.

Walsh commanded Submarine Group 2/Navy Region Northeast and was director, Submarine Warfare Division, on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. Walsh’s most recent assignment was as commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Walsh's awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).