In a press release on Friday, the Department of Defense announced that the President has nominated Rear Admiral Darse “Del” E. Crandall Jr., JAGC, U.S. Navy, to be the next Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and for appointment to the grade of Vice Admiral.

Admiral Crandall’s nomination is now pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Confirmation is a separate process and may not be presumed, but I ask that you join me in congratulating Admiral Crandall on his nomination and briefly recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Navy and the JAG Community.

Since 2018, Admiral Crandall has served with distinction as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy and Commander, Naval Legal Service Command (CNLSC). He helped navigate the JAG Community through significant challenges, while pushing for progress at every turn. As CNLSC, he skillfully led more than 1,000 attorneys, enlisted Legalmen, and civilian employees at 14 commands, as well as personnel assigned to the Naval Justice School and Victims’ Legal Counsel Program. Admiral Crandall’s extensive legal experience, tireless work ethic, steady character, and dedication to our shared Navy mission have been evident to anyone who has worked with him, or watched him work.

Admiral Crandall was commissioned in 1984 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program at Northwestern University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In 1992, he graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude. In 1999, he earned a Master of Laws in International Law from The George Washington University, with highest honors.

Within Naval Legal Service Command, Admiral Crandall served as Defense Counsel, Prosecutor, and Civil Law Department Head at Naval Legal Service Office Northwest Pacific, and as Commanding Officer of Naval Legal Service Office Central, Pensacola, FL. At the Office of the Judge Advocate General, his assignments included Administrative Law Attorney, Deputy Executive Assistant to the Judge Advocate General, and Assistant Judge Advocate General (Operations and Management)/Chief of Staff, Region Legal Service Offices.

Admiral Crandall’s staff and operational experience includes serving as Staff Judge Advocate and Legal Department Head onboard USS Independence (CV-62), Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for Naval Forces Europe, Staff Judge Advocate for U.S. SIXTH Fleet, Staff Judge Advocate 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.

Admiral Crandall is a proven leader; he is a servant leader. And he is an exceptionally talented naval officer and lawyer who personifies in his daily work and interactions the Navy Core Values and the JAG Community’s governing principles. It is a privilege for all of us to serve alongside Admiral Crandall, and a pleasure to congratulate him on his nomination.