Meet the Command Chaplain

LCDR Abraham B. Jiregna
Chaplain Corps, USN

Training Center Petaluma Command Chaplain Lieutenant Commander D. Ryan Williams

Chaplain Jiregna is a native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He immigrated to Overland Park, Kansas in 1997. He graduated from Mid-America Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations in 2008. He received a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Christian Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is also pursuing his Doctor of Education Ministry Degree.

Chaplain Jiregna began his active-duty Navy career in 2015 after five years of civilian pastoral ministry. He is an ordained non-denominational minister, endorsed for professional military chaplaincy by the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International.  

Chaplain Jiregna’s first assignment was to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. He served as the Deputy Command Chaplain in support of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One and Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401.

In FEB 2018, Chaplain Jiregna reported to 3D Marine Aircraft Wing Yuma, where he served as the Deputy Group Chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 13 in support of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Attack Squadron 214, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 371. In MAR 2018, he deployed as the Aviation Combat Element Chaplain with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command (SP-MAGTF-CR-CC 18.2) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

In OCT 2020, Chaplain Jiregna reported to Naval Base San Diego as the Command Chaplain for the USS JOHN P. MURTHA (LPD 26). While aboard the Battle Efficiency award winning LPD 26, he completed three out of area deployments in the SEVENTH FLEET, FOURTH FLEET and THIRD FLEET in support of Freedom Banner 21, UNITAS LXII, and Independence Banner 22.

Chaplain Jiregna is a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer, and his military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 gold star), Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign, unit, and service awards.