Commander Farrell was born in Rochester, New York, and presently resides in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He retired from the US Navy Silent Service (Submarine Force) in 1996 after 22 years of service as a Radioman Chief Petty Officer. 

Commander Farrell’s Duty Stations Included:

USS George C. Marshall SSB(N) 654 (Gold), Groton, Connecticut/Rota, Spain/Holy Loch, Scotland

Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Rochester, New York

USS George C. Marshall SSB(N) 654 (Gold), (Second tour of Duty), Groton, CT/Holy Loch, Scotland

USS Stonewall Jackson SSB(N) 634 (Gold), Charleston, South Carolina/Holy, Loch, Scotland

Commander Submarine Group 10 Commissioning Staff, Kings Bay, Georgia

Commander Submarine Forces Atlantic Staff, Norfolk, Virginia

Commander Submarine Squadron 6 Staff, Norfolk, Virginia

Pre-Commissioning Crew USS Toledo SS(N) 769, Norfolk, Virginia

Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia

USS Newport News SS(N) 750, Norfolk, Virginia

USS L.Y. Spear AS-36, Norfolk, Virginia

He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal (2 Awards), Navy Achievement Award (4 Awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Arctic Service Medal, Submarine Warfare Designator, Submarine Deterrent Patrol Pin (with 10 Silver Stars), and Good Conduct Medal (4 Awards) during his career.

Commander Farrell upon retiring from the US Navy was employed by Harris Corporation, RF Communications Division as an International Country Manager responsible for the development and execution of Tactical Radio Programs in the Middle East and Northern Africa. He worked there until April 2013 until his retirement after 16 years of service.

Upon his retirement, he relocated to Thailand and subsequently Ban Chang Thailand and Joining VFW Post 12146 Banchang-Utapao, Thailand where he was elected as the Commander of the Post. 

Upon completing his term as Commander of the Post and achieving All American and All State status. He relocated to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to assume Command of Mayaguez Memorial VFW Post 11575.

Commander Farrell is a Past District Senior Vice Commander of District V which encompassed Thailand, Cambodia, and Australia.