Commander Lida Cooper was born and raised in North Carolina. She graduated from Tulane University and commissioned in 2004. In 2011, she completed master's degrees in International Development from Tulane University and National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. In June 2020, she graduated from the U.S. Naval War College Senior Officer's Course.
Most recently, she was the Executive Officer of Assault Craft Unit FIVE at Camp Pendleton, California. Her last sea tour was as the Commanding Officer of USS THUNDERBOLT (PC 12). Prior sea duty assignments include Operations Officer in USS STERETT (DDG 104), Training Officer in USS MILIUS (DDG 69), and Ordnance Officer in USS RUSSELL (DDG 59).
Ashore, Commander Cooper served as the Director of International Training at Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island. Prior shore duty assignments include Tactical Training Group, Pacific as the Tomahawk Officer and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines as the Manila Element Officer-In-Charge.
Commander Cooper's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), as well as various campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 9 May 2022