Background
Kernan, Joseph D. was born on February 4, 1955 in Travis Air Force Base, California, United States.
Kernan, Joseph D. was born on February 4, 1955 in Travis Air Force Base, California, United States.
Graduate, United States Military Academy, 1977. Attended, Surface Warfare Officer School.
Advanced through grades to vice admiral United States Navy, 2009. Engineering officer United States Ship Horne, San Diego. Designated Naval Special Warfare Officer, 1981.
Platoon Commander Underwater Demolition Team 12, Sea, Air, Land Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Sea, Air, Land Delivery Vehicle Team 5. Deputy Commander Naval Special Warfare Task Force, Middle East Force. Executive officer Naval Special Warfare Unit 1, Subic Bay, Philippines.
Community manager, deputy/chief staff officer Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Chief of staff and deputy Naval Special Warfare Command. Director Navel Special Warfare Branch.
Deputy director and director operations Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Director operations Center Special Operations, United States Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base. Commander Naval Special Warfare Command, 2007—2008, United States Fourth Fleet & United States Naval Forces Southern Command, 2008—2009.
Senior military assistant to secretary United States Department Defense, Washington, since 2009.
Married; 2 children.