Capt. David M. Rowland
Commodore, Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2
07 July 2021
CAPT Rowland was raised in Halifax, Virginia. He was awarded an NROTC scholarship to attend the University of Virginia where he graduated and commissioned in 1993.
His first tour of duty was aboard USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51), where he served as First Lieutenant. ARLEIGH BURKE conducted operations in support of Operation SUPPORT DEMOCRACY in the Caribbean and also deployed to SIXTH Fleet. In January 1996, CAPT Rowland reported to the Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida.
In February 1997, CAPT Rowland reported to USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37) and served as Machinery Division Officer and later as the Main Propulsion Assistant. In February 1999, CAPT Rowland reported to the NROTC Unit at the University of Notre Dame as the Freshman Instructor and Advisor. While there, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University at South Bend.
Following Department Head School, CAPT Rowland reported to USS BARRY (DDG 52) as Operations Officer. In October 2003, CAPT Rowland reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the Reactor Training Assistant.
In February 2006, CAPT Rowland reported to USS GARY (FFG 51) as the Executive Officer. GARY was forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, and conducted numerous international exercises.
In February 2008, CAPT Rowland reported to Air Forces Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA, as the Officer in Charge of the Surface Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team. As the OIC, CAPT Rowland was responsible for the training and maintenance programs in each of the six Atlantic Fleet CVNs.
In July 2010, CAPT Rowland assumed command of USS CURTS (FFG 38) in San Diego, CA, as part of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE.
From Dec 2011 to Dec 2015, CAPT Rowland served as the Officer in Charge of the Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team to Air Forces Pacific Fleet.
From Jan 2016 to Jan 2019, CAPT Rowland served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning (N3) to Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet.
From Feb 2019 to Dec 2021, CAPT Rowland first served as the Deputy Commodore and then Commodore of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group TWO.
CAPT Rowland assumed command of Naval Beach Group TWO in January 2022.
CAPT Rowland’s awards include the Legion of Merit (1 gold star), Meritorious Service Medal (2 gold stars), and the Navy Commendation Medal (4 gold stars).