Navy JAG Corps Welcomes New Leadership at Office Ceremony

“Our Navy-Marine Corps team is at the forefront of defending and preserving global stability, and we remain committed to ensuring the freedom of navigation of the world’s seas and oceans,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “Our mission would be impossible without the essential work of our Navy JAG Corps. Vice Admiral Crandall’s leadership of the Navy JAG Corps community was integral to their many successes.”

During Crandall’s tenure as JAG, he served as principal military legal counsel to Navy leaders. He provided advice on a range of issues affecting national security, fleet operations, and the health and safety of Sailors and their families. His tenure saw the implementation of military justice reforms, the formation of the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit, and the establishment of a stand-alone Naval Legal Service Command flag officer billet. Additionally, the role of an assistant JAG for Education, Training, and Professional Development was created.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti commended Crandall for his leadership. “Your leadership was pivotal over these last six years, supporting the establishment of the Office of Special Trial Counsel, increasing our JAG Corps manning, and aligning the JAG Corps to your priorities of warfighting, people, and military justice.”

The event also marked the conclusion of Crandall’s four decades in uniform. Commissioned in 1984 as a surface warfare officer, he transitioned to the JAG Corps in 1992 following his graduation from the Georgetown University Law Center. Crandall served in various staff and operational positions at joint and naval commands worldwide.

“The JAG Corps mission is to provide full-spectrum legal services to enable naval and joint operations in support of our national security,” said Crandall. “I’ve been honored to lead the charge to meet that mission every day for the last six years as JAG and DJAG, and together we’ve conquered unbelievable challenges in support of the Navy.”

Vice Admiral Darse E. Crandall has now handed over the reins to Rear Adm. Patrice French. French previously served as the DJAG and as legal counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “At this ceremony three years ago, I said: ‘In the days to come, we will together build on the hard work of our predecessors.’ Well, we did. But, we’re not done yet,” said French. “The Navy JAG Corps – officer, enlisted, civilian; active and Reserve – is stronger today than it was yesterday. And it will be stronger tomorrow than it is today. We will rise to every challenge and deliver the legal services that our nation calls for.”

Rear Adm. Lia M. Reynolds has assumed the duties of DJAG, having recently served as assistant JAG for Operations and Management. Franchetti expressed her confidence in French’s leadership, stating, “As you well know, the challenges we face are only accelerating, and I am confident that you and your team will move out boldly with urgency and a strong sense of purpose to ensure that America’s warfighting Navy is ready to fight and win at sea today and in the future.”

Del Toro paid tribute to Crandall’s meaningful and enduring mark upon the JAG Corps and the wider Navy-Marine Corps team. “Thank you for your tireless pursuit of justice and protection of the law. Because of your efforts, experience, and vision, you leave a lasting legacy for others to follow,” said Del Toro.

The Navy JAG Corps traces its roots back to Marine Colonel William Butler Remey, who became the first Navy JAG in 1878. The Corps was formally established by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Dec. 8, 1967. Today, JAG Corps personnel serve overseas and aboard combatants at sea, regularly deploying across the globe. They are a diverse, highly capable force fully integrated throughout the Navy fleet.

For more information about the JAG Corps, visit www.jag.navy.mil.