Captain Joel A. Yates, USN
Chief of Staff, Office of Naval Intelligence
Capt. Joel Yates reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence as the chief of staff on September 20, 2024. Prior to his current assignment, he served as commanding officer of Navy Information Operations Command, Georgia and Commander, Task Force 1050.
Yates is a native of Beaverton, Michigan, and is a graduate of Chaminade University of Honolulu with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He enlisted in January 1988 as a cryptologic technician (collection) and earned his commission as a cryptologic warfare limited duty officer in August 2000. In June 2013, he earned a master’s degree in Military Strategic Studies from the Marine Corps University.
His operational tours include two tours of sea duty as an enlisted direct support operator and supervisor, amassing over 600 days at sea at Naval Security Group Activity, Rota and Naval Security Group Activity, Kunia. He completed two operational flying tours at NSGA, Rota and Navy Information Operations Detachment, Kaneohe Bay, where he accrued over 1,300 flight hours.
Yates’ ashore tours include: senior analyst and reporter at Naval Security Group, Misawa, Japan; staff cryptologist at Naval Aviation Systems Command, Patuxent River; department head and combat mission team lead at NIOC, Georgia; executive officer at NIOC, San Diego; officer community manager at the Bureau Of Naval Personnel Command; and a fellowship at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
His command tours include NIOC, Yokosuka, and NIOD, Kaneohe Bay. During his command tours, his crews supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, and operations across the globe.
Yates’ personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards).