Captain Donald P. Darnell Jr. is a native of Fairfax, Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University with degrees in Economics and History in 1986 and received his commission via Officers Candidate School in 1987.
Captain Darnell Jr assumed Command of the Center for Naval Intelligence and Navy Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in August 2009. Prior to his Command tour, he was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations staff as Executive Assistant to the N2/Director of Naval Intelligence.
Captain Darnell began his career at Naval Security Group Activity Northwest in Chesapeake, VA; there he served as Assistant Cryptologic Readiness Group Officer and later as the Information Systems Division Officer. His next tour was aboard USS FLETCHER (DD-992) where he served as the OUTBOARD Officer / Electronic Warfare Officer and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer. During this tour FLETCHER participated in PACEX 1989 and a subsequent Western Pacific Deployment.
In 1992 he was assigned as an intern in the Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program (JOCCP) at the National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland. Following this tour, CAPT Darnell was assigned as the C4I Manpower Requirements Officer in N122 on the OPNAV Staff.
CAPT Darnell reported to the staff of Commander Carrier Group THREE aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), as the Flag Cryptologist and CARL VINSON Battlegroup Cryptologic Resources Coordinator in 1998. He deployed to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf and participated in Operation DESERT FOX, Maritime Interdiction Operations and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.
In 2000 CAPT Darnell attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion, he was assigned to US Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he served as head of the Information Operations Support Branch and later as Executive Assistant to the Director for Intelligence.
CAPT Darnell then reported to the Staff of Commander, THIRD Fleet, in San Diego California where he served as the Fleet Information Operations Officer (J39). CAPT Darnell assumed command of U.S. Navy Information Operations Command Misawa and assumed duties as the Vice Commander of the Misawa Security Operations Center (MSOC) in June of 2006. CAPT Darnell reported to the OPNAV staff in August of 2008 as the Deputy for Plans, Policy and Programs (N20B). His most recent assignment was as the Executive Assistant (N2A) to the Director of Naval Intelligence.
CAPT Darnell’s military decorations include: the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars. He holds a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) Degree from the Joint Military Intelligence College; and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. CAPT Darnell is a designated Joint Specialty Duty Officer.
3 comments:
I worked for CAPT Darnell for 2 years in Misawa, great officer, great CO, great leader. He is going to be one of our community FLAGS very soon, in my opinion.
I agree in that he is a "Great Leader", but it strikes me as odd that we consider making "Flag" validation of that fact. More than a few Flag Officers are less than "Great Leaders" and plenty of "Great Leaders" never make "Flag."
I met CAPT Darnell a while back, he is the epitome of a great leader. He is ambitious and passionate about what he does. I've never met someone who chooses to take his work to the next level by giving back to the community....always came to work with a smile and never once complained about the long hours. The pride he has for the US is contagious. Again, great leader
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