Commanding Officer
Nimitz Warfare Analysis Center
Captain James “J.T.” Merchant assumed command of Nimitz Warfare Analysis Center in April 2022. Prior to his current assignment, Capt. Merchant served as the CNE-CNA-C6F Director of Intelligence since July of 2020.
Capt. Merchant is a native of Springfield, Pennsylvania and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He earned a Masters in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2014.
Capt. Merchant was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and assigned to USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) where he completed multiple deployments in support of Operation Southern Watch. Upon lateral transfer to the Intelligence Community, Capt. Merchant served as the Executive Officer for the Joint Staff J2 Headquarters element. Additional shore-duty assignments include: US Special Operations Command (SOCOM); Chief of Naval Operations-Intelligence Plot (CNO-IP); and the Brooks Center for Maritime Engagement.
Capt. Merchant’s operational assignments include multiple tours with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) where he served as the Director for Intelligence (N2). He recently served as the Commanding Officer for Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command.
Capt. Merchant’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (sixth award), Navy Meritorious Service Medal (second award), and multiple joint, unit and campaign awards.