Vice Adm. (ret) Costello is a native of Vermont. He attended Holy Cross College and was commissioned an Ensign through the NROTC Program in 1973. 

His sea tours include: Navigator in USS Brownson (DD 868); Weapons Officer in USS Whipple (FF 1062); Operations Officer of Destroyer Squadron Five; Executive Officer in USS Harry W. Hill (DD 986); Commanding Officer in USS Elliot (DD 967); Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Third Fleet; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 23; Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group One, Constellation Strike Group Commander, and Commander Task Force 55 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He attended Albany Law School where he earned a Juris Doctor degree and is currently a member of the New York State Bar. He also attended the College of Naval Command and Staff where he was selected as honor graduate, graduating "With Distinction," and earned a master's of arts degree in Foreign Affairs. Additionally, he has participated in the National Security program at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Costello's primary shore assignments include: Joint Planner in the Operational and Interoperability Directorate (J7), the Joint Staff; Principal Deputy for Senate Liaison in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs; and Deputy Director for Strategy and Policy (J5), the Joint Staff.

Costello reported as Commander, Third Fleet, in May 2005 following a tour as Chief of Legislative Affairs. He retired from active duty in June 2007.

Costello's personal decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two gold stars, the Bronze Star, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, and the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star. Additionally, his leadership of CTF-55 during Operation Iraqi Freedom was acknowledged by the United Kingdom with the Honorary Award of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Last Updated: 27 October 2023