CDR Karl Murray, a native of Rochester, MN, graduated in 2005 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture.  Following graduation from USNA, he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology from 2005 to 2006 and earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering with an emphasis on Aerial Weapons.  In November 2007, he was designated a Naval Aviator. 
 
CDR Murray joined the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron FOUR ZERO (VP-40) in Whidbey Island, WA in 2008.  During this tour he completed a FIFTH Fleet deployment to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, a SEVENTH Fleet deployment, and a surge to SIXTH Fleet supporting Operation ODYSSEY DAWN.  While with the Fighting Marlins he was designated a Mission Commander and Instructor Pilot, and his crew was recognized as the 2011 CPRW-10 Crew of the Year.
 
Following his initial sea tour, CDR Murray reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX-1) in Patuxent River, MD where he worked as an Assistant Operational Test Director on the P-3C, P-8A, and various weapon systems.  While at VX-1 he was designated one of the first P-8A Maritime Weapons and Tactics Instructors.
 
In 2014, CDR Murray reported to the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in Norfolk, VA, where he served as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (Shooter), V-1 Division Officer, and V-2 Division Officer.  During this tour, he completed a FIFTH Fleet deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
 
CDR Murray joined the “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8 in 2016 for his Department Head tour, where he served as the Safety/NATOPS Officer, Training Officer, and Maintenance Officer.  While with the Fighting Tigers, he completed two deployments, both to SEVENTH Fleet. 
 
In 2018, CDR Murray reported to the Pentagon where he served as the Politico-Military Planner for East Africa in the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) of the Joint Staff.  On the Joint Staff, he shaped critical DoD engagements with African partners in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
 
CDR Murray joined the “Kraken” of Tactical Operations Control Squadron TEN (TOCRON-10) as the Executive Officer in March 2021, and assumed command in June 2022.
 
His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and various campaign, service, and unit awards. 

Last Updated: 24 June 2022