Walsh commanded the "Gunslingers" of Strike-Fighter Squadron 105 for missions in support of Operations "Southern Watch" and "Deny Flight" from . He commanded Carrier Air Wing 1 for deployment in support of Operation "Southern Watch" aboard . He also commanded Carrier Group Seven of the Strike Group for a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Most recently, he commanded U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, while also commanding the Combined Maritime Forces conducting Operations "Enduring Freedom", "Iraqi Freedom" and maritime security operations in the Central Command area of responsibility.