In his final assignment, Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis served as the third commander of Naval Surface Forces and the 15th commander of the Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force. He was responsible for manning, equipping, training and maintaining more than 160 surface force ships based around the world. He was assisted in that task by his staff and more than 50 major commands and support units of the force.

A native of Chicago, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1976 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following commissioning, he attended the Surface Warfare Basic School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was awarded the Arleigh Burke Award.

Curtis served in a variety of sea and shore assignments. At sea, his assignments include USS Moinester (FF-1097), USS Thorn (DD-988), USS Dahlgren (DDG-43) and Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2/George Washington Battle Group. He also served as executive officer, USS Scott (DD-995), chief of staff to Commander, 2nd Fleet/Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic/Task Force 120, and Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. His command tours include USS Wainwright (CG 28), USS Donald B. Beary (FFT 1085), Destroyer Squadron 14, Naval Surface Group 2 and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11/Nimitz Strike Group.

His shore assignments include the U.S. Naval Academy as a brigade officer; the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the senior year group detailer; the Chief of Naval Operations Aegis/DDG-51 Program Office; senior military assistant in the Office of Naval Warfare; executive assistant and Naval aide to the 71st and 72nd Secretaries of the Navy; Navy Europe Programs, Strategy and Policy, and director, Transformation Activities for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe – U.S. 6th Fleet; and the 51st commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic and deputy commander, Naval Surface Forces where he served as the chief readiness officer for the Surface Warfare Enterprise.

Curtis’ personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and other awards.

He holds a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University and is a graduate of the National Defense University and the NATO Defense College Senior Course.

Last Updated: 6 January 2022