Captain Courtney M. Minetree is a native of Dinwiddie, Virginia. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography.  She also attended the Naval Postgraduate School where she earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography.

Her operational tours include Main Propulsion Officer on USS HOPPER (DDG 70); Auxiliaries Officer on USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37); and Chief Engineer onboard USS RUSSELL (DDG 59).  Additionally, she completed tours as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of MCM Crew Conflict and USS JOHN FINN (DDG 113). Most recently, she completed a tour as Deputy Commodore and Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, supporting ABRAHAM LINCOLN STRIKE GROUP as the Sea Combat Commander.

Her shore assignments include serving on the Joint Staff as the Maritime Operations Officer and Executive Assistant in the Deputy Directorate for Nuclear, Homeland Defense, and Current Operations (J-33); Deputy Executive Assistant to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and 2^nd Battalion Officer at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Captain Minetree has been awarded the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign medals.