Admiral Joseph "Joe" Meylan is the former captain of the USS Hayward (DDG-157), former Executive Officer of the USS Nathan James (DDG-151), and current Chief of Naval Operations.
Events of The Last Ship
During the episode "Paradise," the Hayward is seriously damaged during the mission to find the Chinese ship carrying the "green mist". Captain Meylan and two-thirds of his surviving crew subsequently board the Nathan James. The Hayward is eventually scuttled during the episode "Scuttle" as a result of the severe damage.
In the episode "Scuttle," Captain Meylan temporarily assumes command of the Nathan James after he receives a flash order from St. Louis to place CNO Chandler under arrest for alleged war crimes, relieve Captain Slattery of his command of the ship, and return to the naval base in San Diego. Meylan is relieved of his command of the ship at the end of the episode after a team of Nathan James crew members led by Slattery himself arrest and sequester sailors loyal to Meylan, including Meylan himself.
It is revealed in the Season 4 premiere episode "In Medias Res" that Meylan now serves aboard the Nathan James as Executive Officer, losing his command status due to the downsizing of the Navy as a result of the Red Rust.
Awards and Decorations
The following are the medals and service awards seen worn on Meylan's uniform in the show.
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Trivia
- Before Meylan was promoted to captain and given a command he served the Navy as an engineer.
- He wears a wedding band which denotes he is married; the current status of his spouse is unknown.