Military

Franklin Kentucky Native Assumes Command of Navy Destroyer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070827-11
Release Date: 8/27/2007 3:17:00 PM

From USS Mitscher Public Affairs

BARBADOS, Caribbean Sea (NNS) -- Cmdr. Dan Uhls, a Franklin, Ky., native, assumed command of USS Mitscher (DDG 57) duing a change of command ceremony Aug. 17. Uhls relived Cmdr. William McKinley.

Uhls joined the Navy in 1988 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Command program at the University of Mississippi. Following graduation, Uhls reported to his initial sea duty assignment on board USS Belknap (CG-26). In December 1989, Belknap served as the host of the Malta Summit, during which Presidents George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev declared an end to the Cold War.

In 1992, Uhls reported to the Pe-Commissioning Unit Cape St. George (CG-71) as the anti-air warfare officer. While on board Cape St. George, Uhls deployed to the Adriatic Sea in support of international sanctions against the former republic of Yugoslavia.

After completion of the Navy’s Department Head curriculum in 1996, Uhls reported to USS Laboon (DDG-58), where he served as both chief engineer and operations officer. While on board Laboon, he deployed to both the European and Central Command’s areas of responsibility (AOR).

After detaching from Laboon in 1998, Uhls reported to USS Whirlwind (PC-11) as commanding officer. While in command of Whirlwind, Uhls deployed in support of the Special Operations Commanders in the Southern, Central and European Command AOR. Under Uhls’ command, Whirlwind sailed over 73,000 nautical miles and visited thirty-nine ports in 21 nations.

In 2001, Uhls reported to the United States Army, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., were he graduated with distinction. While at Fort Leavenworth, he was awarded a Master’s Degree in National Security Affairs.

In 2002, Uhls reported to USS Kauffman (FFG-59) as executive officer. While on board, Kauffman deployed into European and Central Command’s AOR.

In 2004, Uhls reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 6 as chief staff officer. While at DESRON 6, the staff was recommissioned DESRON 40, and assumed responsibility to Naval Forces Southern Command for the conduct of all maritime operations within the United States Southern Command’s AOR, and as the Navy’s executive agent for Counter-Narcotics Operations.

Uhls reported to the United States Naval War College in 2006, graduating with highest distinction and a Masters Degree in National Security Strategy in March 2007.

Uhls’ personal awards include: The Meritorious Service Medal (with gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with four gold stars).