Captain John Carroll was born and raised in Marshfield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in May 1984 and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in October 1984.
After completing nuclear power training and surface warfare basic training, he reported to Reactor Department in USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in Alameda, California. During this tour, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf and participated in Operation PRAYING MANTIS. Following this, Captain Carroll reported as the ASW Officer to USS LUCE (DDG 38) homeported in Mayport, Florida, deploying on counter-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
From March 1991 to September 1993, he attended Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California , earning Masters of Science and Engineer Degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
Following Department Head School, Captain Carroll again reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in Norfolk, Virginia as Reactor Controls Assistant, part of the crew taking CVN 65 out of the shipyard following her complex nuclear refueling overhaul. From June 1996 to February 1998, Captain Carroll served as Combat Systems Officer on USS FORD (FFG 54) out of Everett, Washington, participating in a battle group deployment to the Arabian Gulf.
Captain Carroll reported to USS THACH (FFG 43) in May 1998 in Yokosuka, Japan, as Executive Officer. During this tour, he deployed again to the Arabian Gulf conducting maritime intercept operations as part of a Maritime Expeditionary Force Group. After returning to Yokosuka , he oversaw one of the first forward deployed crew/hull swaps, becoming XO of USS GARY (FFG 51).
In October 1999, Captain Carroll reported to the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet as Deputy Force Nuclear Propulsion Officer and Officer-in-Charge of the Pacific Surface Nuclear Propulsion Mobile Training Team.
Captain Carroll took command of USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60), homeported in Everett, Washington, in May 2002. He deployed to the Arabian Gulf as part of NIMITZ Strike Group supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. During his tour, ending in March 2004, RODNEY M. DAVIS was the winner of the Battle Efficiency Award, the Golden Anchor and the CNO Safety Award.
Captain Carroll reported to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in November 2004 where he served as the Reactor Officer until May 2007, completing two drydocking availabilities and preparing the ship for its transfer to Yokosuka, Japan.
He recently graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In October 2008, he assumed command of USS Port Royal (CG 73). His individual awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).