Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy

The Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy (DJAG)^[1] is the second-highest ranking JAG officer and lawyer in the United States Navy. As part of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, the DJAG also serves as Deputy Department of Defense Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs.^[2]

The DJAG was previously dual-hatted as Commander, Naval Legal Service Command (CNLSC), until the position was separated into a distinct position in 2021. Darse E. Crandall Jr. was the last DJAG to serve in both positions simultaneously.^[3]

Appointment[edit]

Similar to the Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG), the DJAG is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The DJAG may be chosen from judge advocates of the Navy and Marine Corps who have the qualifications prescribed for the JAG.^[4] Upon appointment to the office of DJAG, the appointee, if they hold a lower rank, will be promoted to the rank of rear admiral or major general, as appropriate.^[1]

Recent Deputy Judge Advocates General of the Navy[edit]

Name	Branch	Term began	Term ended
RADM Michael F. Lohr	USN	2000	2002
RADM James E. McPherson	USN	2002	2004
RADM Bruce E. MacDonald	USN	2004	2006
RADM James W. Houck	USN	2006	2009
RADM Nanette M. DeRenzi	USN	2009	2012
RADM James W. Crawford, III	USN	2012	2015
RADM John G. Hannink	USN	2015	2018
RADM Darse E. Crandall, Jr.	USN	2018	2021
RADM Christopher C. French	USN	2021	Incumbent