Originally from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, CAPT O’Brien graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Oceanography. She is a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and holds a master’s degree in Military Studies.
Following a tour at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Diego Garcia, where she served as Satellite Communications and Technical Control Division Officer, she reported to USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36) in San Diego, CA where she served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Training Officer.
Subsequent sea tours included Operations Officer in USS MCCLUSKY (FFG 41) where she was the recipient of the 2005 CNSF Junior Officer Award for Excellence in Tactics for Destroyer Squadron ONE, N3/Operations Officer in Amphibious Squadron THREE (CPR 3), and Executive Officer, fleeting-up to Commanding Officer of Beachmaster Unit ONE, Coronado, CA.
Following her command tour, CAPT O’Brien returned to Amphibious Squadron THREE as Chief Staff Officer and deployed with the USS AMERICA (LHA 6) amphibious readiness group during USS AMERICA’s first operational overseas deployment.
Ashore, CAPT O’Brien served as Flag Aide to Commander, Navy Region Southwest; Flag Secretary and Speech Writer to Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet; and as the N5 and Maritime Prepositioning Force Officer at Naval Beach Group ONE, Coronado, CA.
Most recently, she served as the Deputy Branch Head, Security Cooperation and Posture, OPNAV N5 and International Seapower Symposium Coordinator for the Chief of Naval Operations.
CAPT O’Brien’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (third award), Navy Commendation Medal (fourth award), Navy Achievement Medal (second award), and various campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 15 July 2022