Submarine Warfare Officer
LCDR Halsell, a native of Jamestown, KY, graduated in 2010 from Thomas Edison State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology and was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School Program. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a Master of Engineering Management, and in 2024 from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) with a Master of International Public Policy. He is currently a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins SAIS in the field of International Affairs.
At sea, he most recently served as a department head, on USS Topeka (SSN-754) as Engineer Officer, where he had previously served as Weapons Officer. During his time on Topeka the ship conducted missions vital to national security from its homeport in Guam before conducting a homeport shift and subsequent dry-docking availability at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. LCDR Halsell served as the availability coordinator for the dry-docking period, overseeing combat control system modernization and complex engineering systems maintenance. Following completion of the shipyard availability, he deployed again on Topeka to the Western Pacific. From November 2013 to December 2016 LCDR Halsell served as a Division Officer on USS Columbia (SSN-771) fulfilling duties as Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant and Communications Officer. Onboard Columbia, Halsell deployed twice to the Western Pacific.
His shore tours include service as a Tactics Instructor at Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP), Pearl Harbor, HI and as an instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, SC. During his time at NSTCP LCDR Halsell helped prepare submarine crews for deployed operations, providing instruction in SONAR system operation, weapons systems employment, and team dynamics. Halsell also served as the International Training Officer for the Pacific Submarine Force while at NSTCP, coordinating and conducting security cooperation engagements with allies and partners, including providing training for international submarine crews and participation in staff talks between Commander, Task Force 74 and the submarine leadership of various partner nations across the Indo-Pacific. He was an academic year 23-24 Politico-Military Masters Scholar assigned to Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and an academic year 24-25 Federal Executive Fellow assigned to the United States Naval Institute.
LCDR Halsell is a qualified Master Training Specialist, and was selected as the 2016 Junior Officer of the Year for Submarine Squadron Seven and the 2011 Instructor of the Year at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. He is a graduate with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College Joint Professional Military Education program, and holds proven subspecialties in Undersea Warfare Tactics, Military Strategy, Joint Military Operations, Nuclear Engineering and Resource Management. LCDR Halsell is a two time recipient of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Shaping Navy Warfighters: A Conversation with the Warfare Tactics Instructors
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PT