Rear Admiral Justin A. Kubu, U.S. Navy
Deputy Commanding Officer
Rear Admiral Justin Kubu serves as the deputy commanding officer of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). The command ensures strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations and protects US. Interests in the region in order to enhance stability and prosperity in East Africa.
Rear Admiral Kubu was raised in Anderson, SC. He graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was commissioned through the Naval ROTC Program in 1995.
His sea duty assignments include the Commissioning crew in USS COLE (DDG 67) where he completed a single long tour serving as Strike Officer, Damage Control Assistant and Weapons Officer. Upon completion of Department Head School, he reported to USS LASSEN (DDG 82) in 2002 where he served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer.
He reported to USS CHAFEE (DDG 90) as Executive Officer in 2009. He assumed command of CHAFEE in 2011. During his command tour, CHAFEE was awarded the Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) award for operational excellence.
In August of 2017, he assumed command of USS PRINCETON (CG 59) while deployed to the Arabian Gulf. During his tour he concurrently served as the Air and Missile Defense Commander for the NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group.
Ashore, he served on the CNO Staff as campaign analyst in Assessments Division (N81) and as warfighting capabilities analyst in the Force Structure, Resources and Assessment Directorate (J8) of the Joint Staff. He served as Director for Fleet Training (N72) at Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island. He was Executive Assistant to Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. He served as Director for Operations/N3 on the staff of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet August 2019 until May 2022.
His most recent assignment was as Commander of Amphibious Squadron Seven from where he deployed to the Western Pacific with MAKIN ISLAND Amphibious Ready Group and 13TH Marine Expeditionary Unit.
He attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a Master of Science degree Operations Research in 2001. In 2014, he earned a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, graduating with distinction.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).