Naval Academy Athletics

Lieutenant Commander Kara Handley was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in English with Honors. She holds a Masters of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from San Diego State University and a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College in Defense and Strategic Studies.
 
Her sea duty assignments include operational tours as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Higgins (DDG 76) and as a public affairs officer with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One, supporting all Pacific-based explosive ordnance disposal, expeditionary divers, and maritime expeditionary security forces.
 
Ashore, she has served as a public affairs officer for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Integration of Capabilities and Resources (OPNAV N8) and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Warfare Systems (OPNAV N9); assistant public affairs and media officer for U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command; force public affairs officer for Navy Expeditionary Combat Command; and the director of the Navy News Desk at the U.S. Navy Office of Information.
 
Lieutenant Commander Handley’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.