Cmdr. Donald Coomes

Commanding Officer, USS Alexandria

Born and raised in Richland, Washington, Cmdr. Donald Coomes graduated from Oregon State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nuclear Engineering and received his commission from Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was selected for Immediate Graduate Education Program and earned a Master of Science Degree in Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation from the Naval Postgraduate Scho ol in 2007 before starting the submarine training pipeline. After completion of Naval Nuclear Power Training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course, CDR Coomes reported onboard USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731) (Gold) in October 2008, where he served as Electrical Officer, Damage Control Assistant Ship’s Diving Officer and Assistant Engineer Officer. While onboard, he completed three strategic patrols and a Western Pacific Deployment with USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727) (Blue).

His other at-sea tours include USS SANTA FE (SSN 763) as Engineer Officer from 2014-2016 and USS CHEYENNE (SSN 773) as Executive officer from 2019-2021. During these tours he completed two Western Pacific Deployments. Both USS SANTA FE and USS CHEYENNE were awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” awards during his tours.

His shore assignment included a non-traditional assignment with Amphibious Squadron FIVE, where he served as the Battle Groups Assistance Operations Officer and completed a Western Pacific deployment operating in the Fifth Fleet and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility. His follow-on tour was with Commander Naval Special Warfare Command as Assistant Quality Assurance Officer. CDR Coomes was selected as a Naval Olmsted Scholar in 2016 assigned for studies in Strasbourg, France. He conducted in-country language training before graduating with distinction and receiving a Master of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Strasbourg in 2019. He is fluent in Spanish and French. He recently completed a joint tour at the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway followed by Deputy Commodore tour at Submarine Squadron TWO ONE in Manama, Bahrain.

CDR Coomes is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various other unit awards and commendations.