Nicholas Wissel

Background

About Nicholas Wissel

Commander Nicholas E. Wissel is a graduate of McDaniel College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. After attending Officer Candidate School, he received his commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy in October 2001. Following Surface Warfare accession training, he reported to USS CURTS (FFG 38) in San Diego as the Auxiliaries Officer and deployed to the 7th Fleet AOR. He then reported to USS DECATUR (DDG 73) as the Assistant Operations Officer, deploying to both the 5th and 7th Fleet. CDR Wissel served as the Chief Engineer in USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48). VANDEGRIFT conducted a CARAT deployment to 7th Fleet. His ship engaged with several navies across the Pacific followed by Pacific Partnership and Valiant Shield Fleet Exercises. As Operations Officer for Destroyer Squadron 23 and embarked on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), he participated in the world’s largest maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific 2012, working closely with the embarked Chilean Navy as Surface Combatant Commander. After his department head tours, CDR Wissel served as an Operations Research Analyst for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (OSD CAPE), assisting with the 2015 thru 2017 Presidential Budget submissions for the Department of Defense. Following his tour at OSD CAPE, he served as a Cyber Battle Captain in the Joint Operations Center at USCYBERCOM. He served as Executive and Commanding Officer of USS HIGGINS (DDG 76) winning the ships 1st Battle "E" Combat Efficiency Award in 15 years, INSURV Material Readiness Award, 2 Golden Anchor Retention Excellence Awards, the lowest COVID rates in 3rd Fleet, and celebrated the highest waterfront promotion rate during his tenure. Currently he is under orders to the OPNAV Staff as Associate Director for Warfighting Assessments. CDR Wissel is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, with a Master of Science degree in Operations Research. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.