A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Captain Farrell graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.
In March 1996, Captain Farrell reported to the USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) and served as Communications Officer and Strike Officer. While in ANTIETAM, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf with the KITTY HAWK Battle Group in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer. From 1998 to 2000, Captain Farrell served in USS MONSOON (PC 4) as Executive Officer and Weapons Officer. Aboard MONSOON he deployed to the Western Pacific and the Caribbean as a Naval Special Warfare asset, proving capabilities, and recovering over $6 million in illicit narcotics. Following his tour in MONSOON, Captain Farrell reported to the Surface Warfare Officer School and served as a Division Officer Course Instructor and Combat Systems Billet Specialty Division Head during which he was selected as the Division Officer Instructor of the Year.
Captain Farrell served as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) from February 2003 to December 2005. BUNKER HILL served as Air Defense Commander for the CONSTELLATION Battle Group and launched 31 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles during initial combat operations of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. From December 2004 to June 2005, BUNKER HILL deployed as the Sea Combat Commander for the BONHOMME RICHARD
Expeditionary Strike Group to the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf and Horn of Africa in support of Operations UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, providing Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief following the tragic Indonesian tsunami of 2004, as well as Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
From January 2006 to December 2008, Captain Farrell served in a Joint Billet at the Missile Defense Agency as Program Element Manager for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program and was designated a Joint Qualified Officer. From January 2009 to April 2011, Captain Farrell served on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Surface Warfare Directorate, as the DDG 1000 Branch Head.
He reported to USS COLE (DDG 67) in December 2011 as Executive Officer and became the Commanding Officer in July 2013. He deployed twice to the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, in support of Operations ATLANTIC SENTRY, SHARP SENTRY, and ACTIVE ENDEAVOR. Captain Farrell was awarded the Battle “E” for his command of COLE.
From February 2015 to June 2017, Captain Farrell was the Deputy Director of Investment and Development Division
in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller).
Captain Farrell was Commanding Officer, USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56) from December 2017 to December 2019 and served as the EISENHOWER STRIKE GROUP Air and Missile Defense Commander winning the Battle “E.”
Captain Farrell’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Vice Admiral Bulkeley Inspirational Leadership Award, and various other service medals and ribbons. He earned Program Management Level III Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Certification and the Financial Management Additional Qualification Designation. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rhode Island, a Master of Engineering Management Degree from Duke University, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University.