We were honored to sit down with CDR Dennis Farrell of the USS Cole while he was on shore leave in his hometown Boca Raton, FL.
About Commander Farrell:
A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Commander Farrell graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.
In March 1996, Commander Farrell reported to the USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) and served as Communications Officer and Strike Officer. While in ANTIETAM, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf with the KITTY HAWK Battle Group and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer.
From 1998 to 2000, Commander Farrell served in USS MONSOON (PC 4) as Executive Officer and Weapons Officer. Aboard MONSOON he deployed to both the Western Pacific and also to Central America and the Caribbean.
Following his tour in MONSOON, Commander Farrell reported to the Surface Warfare Officer School and served as a Division Officer Course Instructor and Combat Systems Billet Specialty Division Head.
Commander Farrell served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) from February 2003 to December 2005. BUNKER HILL served as Air Defense Commander for the CONSTELLATION Battle Group in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. From December 2004 to June 2005, BUNKER HILL deployed as the Sea Combat Commander for the BONHOMME RICHARD Expeditionary Strike Group to the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf and Horn of Africa in support of Operations UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
From January 2006 to December 2008, Commander Farrell served in a Joint Billet at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Arlington, VA as the Program Element Manager for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program.
From January 2009 to April 2011, Commander Farrell served in OPNAV N86 as the DDG 1000 Section Head. He reported to USS COLE in December 2011 to serve as Executive Officer.
Commander Farrell’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various other service medals and ribbons. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Engineering Management Degree from Duke University.
