Frank Okata is from Washington DC. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996.
Following initial training at the Surface Warfare Officer’s School Division Officers Course in Newport, RI, he reported to USS NORMANDY (CG 60) based in Norfolk, VA and served as First Lieutenant and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. His second Division Officer assignment was onboard USS DEYO (DD 989) also based in Norfolk, VA, as the Auxiliaries and Electrical Officer. After further training at the Surface Warfare Officers School, Captain Okata served in USS HAWES (FFG 53) as Engineer Officer, followed by assignment as the Pre-Commissioning Staff Materiel Officer for Riverine Group One in 2006. In 2012 he reported to USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91) based in San Diego, CA as the Executive Officer taking command in 2013. From 2015 to 2017, Captain Okata served as the Surface Operations Officer for Carrier Strike Group TEN embarked USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER. From 2019 to 2022, commanded Task Force 63 Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa based in Naples, Italy.
Ashore, Captain Okata attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, and graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs in 2003. He served in the International Engagement Division of Chief of Naval Operations Staff as the Northern Europe/NATO Action Officer from 2007 to 2009. From 2009 to 2011, he served as a joint planner at US Northern Command’s Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region. From 2017 to 2019, he served in the Office of the Senior Director for Intelligence - Deputy Undersecretary of the Navy.
Captain Okata has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and the French Medal for National Defense (Gold Echelon). Captain Okata assumed command of Singapore Area Coordinator on 17 March 2022.
Last Updated: 18 July 2023