Vice Admiral (VADM) Joseph D. Kernan served as Military Deputy Commander, United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) from May 23, 2001 through September 2013.

Upon completion of his initial tour with the Surface Warfare community, VADM Kernan applied for transfer to and training in the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community for qualification as a SEAL.  VADM Kernan reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California and subsequently completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 117 in 1981.  Following SEAL Qualification Training (SQT), he was designated as a Naval Special Warfare Officer, entitled to wear the SEAL insignia.  He commanded Platoons at Underwater Demolition Team 12, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, and SEAL Team 5.  Additionally while assigned to SEAL Team 5, he served as Detachment Officer-in-Charge of four deployed SEAL platoons and Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Task Force, Middle East Force.