Cmdr. Benjamin D. Coyle

Executive Officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) Gold Crew

07 November 2023

A native of Reno, Nevada, Lieutenant Commander B.D. Coyle graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice.  He later earned his commission via Officer Candidate School in December 2008. 

Afloat, LCDR Coyle completed his division officer tours aboard the destroyers USS PREBLE (DDG 88) as the Strike Officer and then aboard USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) as the Damage Control Assistant.  LCDR Coyle completed his department head tours aboard USS JP JONES (DDG 53) as the Chief Engineer, aboard USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56) as the Chief Engineer, aboard USS LB PULLER Blue (ESB 3) as Combat Systems Officer, and  aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5) as the Operations Officer.  During his sea tours he made 6 deployments to the Arabian Gulf, and the Western Pacific in support of ongoing operations. 

Ashore, LCDR Coyle attended the Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies as well as completing the Naval War College Non-resident Program for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.  He completed a tour at SWOS Newport as Advanced Division Officer Course instructor.  After completing his department head tours LCDR Coyle served as the Lead Mariner Skills assessor at Afloat Training Group, Norfolk.

LCDR Coyle’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Stars) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Gold Stars) as well as multiple unit and service awards.