Capt. Dave Stoner is a native of Ansonia, Connecticut. He graduated from the University of North Florida earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. He attended the U.S. Naval War College earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Enlisting in the Navy in 1986 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, he served aboard USS Skipjack (SSN 585), USS Providence (SSN 719) and PCU Seawolf (SSN 21). In 1995, then a chief petty officer, he was commissioned at Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida as part of the inaugural class of the Seaman to Admiral program.

Stoner’s sea duty officer assignments include USS Moosbrugger (DD 980); USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Hue City (CG 66); USS Ramage (DDG 61); and USS Monterey (CG 61).

While in command of Ramage, the ship and crew made two Ballistic Missile Defense deployments to U.S. 6th Fleet in support of Operations Atlantic Sentry and Sharp Sentry where Ramage earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. While in command of Monterey, the ship executed a seven-month surge deployment to U.S. 5th Fleet and led Operation Steadfast Protector as the primary firing platform and launch area coordinator for Tomahawk strikes against Syrian chemical weapons facilities. Monterey was awarded the 2018 Battenberg Cup, Arizona Memorial Trophy, and a Navy Unit Commendation.

Ashore, he served at U.S. Strategic Command’s Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO), which later became U.S. Cyber Command, the chief of staff for the Missile Defense Agency, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program Executive Office, and command ashore as Commodore, Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC).

Stoner’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards) , Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.