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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Wolfgang Hechler

USS Somerset (LPD-25)

CAPT. William R. Sherrod, USN
Commanding Officer

Captain Bill Sherrod is a 1994 graduate from Jacksonville University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from the Naval War College, College of Naval Warfare.

Following initial Surface Warfare Officer training, Capt. Sherrod served as the plankowner First Lieutenant onboard USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) where he earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation. In 1998, he served as the operations officer and Navigator on USS Shamal (PC 13).

In 1999, Capt. Sherrod transitioned to Naval Aviation and earned his Wings of Gold in November 2000. Following initial training in the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, he served at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, based in Mayport, Florida, where he deployed embarked on USS Dewert (FFG 45) as detachment operations officer, USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) as detachment maintenance officer, and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as the detachment officer in charge. In 2004 he reported to HSL-44 serving as the training officer, operations officer, and detachment officer in charge while deployed embarked on USS Hue City (CG 66).

Ashore, Capt. Sherrod was assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command as a Joint Concepts Planner where he volunteered to augment deployed units and served as the Chief of Operations for Joint Task Force, Balad, Iraq, in 2009.

In 2011, Capt. Sherrod served as executive officer of HSL-49 in North Island, California. He assumed command of the SCORPIONS in August 2012. During his tour, HSL-49 earned Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific’s 2013 Golden Wrench (Expeditionary) Award for Maintenance Excellence, a third consecutive Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award, and subsequently earned a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Capt. Sherrod served as Navigator on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) from January 2014 to March 2016, conducting a ten-month deployment in direct support of Operations Odyssey Dawn and Inherent Resolve. Capt. Sherrod reported as executive officer of USS Somerset (LPD 25) in June of 2016. In November 2017, he assumed command of USS Somerset.

Capt. Sherrod’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, and several Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medals, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. .

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