Shanti Sethi

Captain Shanti Sethi is a native of Reno, Nevada, and was raised in the Bay Area of California. She graduated from Norwich University in 1993 with a degree in International Affairs. She holds a Master of International Policy and Practice from The George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs, and a Masters of National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Captain Sethi’s first sea tour was as Communications Officer and Electrical Officer onboard USS BUTTE (AE 27), homeported in Earle, New Jersey. Following the decommissioning of BUTTE, she was assigned as Navigator to the pre-commissioning crew of USS HOPPER (DDG 70), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain Sethi later served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS HIGGINS (DDG 76), homeported in San Diego, California. While in HIGGINS, she completed a deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In April 2006, Captain Sethi assumed command of MHC Crew BOLD, embarked as a rotational crew in multiple Coastal Mine Hunters while homeported in Ingleside, Texas. In December 2010, she assumed command of USS DECATUR (DDG 73), homeported in San Diego, California, and in 2018 assumed command of Task Force 64, in of Naples, Italy.

Captain Sethi holds Master’s degrees in International Policy and Practice from The George Washington University and in National Security Strategy from the National War College. Her shore tours include Executive Assistant to the Commandant of the United States Naval Academy, Chief of Naval Operations Staff (Surface Warfare Directorate and The Director of Assessments), and the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. Most recently, she served on the staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in the J-5 (Plans and Policies) Directorate and as Executive Assistant to the Director for Operations (J-3). She served as the Senior Navy Military Aide to the Secretary of the Navy and most recently has served in the Executive Office of the President, as the Director for Recruitment and Talent Management for the National Security Council..

CAPT Sethi resides in Washington, DC with her daughter.