The Latest Flag Officer Assignments in the US Navy

The US Navy recently announced several new flag officer assignments. These appointments will see Rear Admirals taking on important roles in various capacities across the Navy, including in Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Flag Officer Assignments

Rear Admiral Thomas J. Moreau
Rear Admiral Christopher J. Sweeney
Rear Admiral Thomas S. Wall
Rear Admiral (lower half) Tracy L. Hines
Rear Admiral (lower half) Gregory C. Huffman
Rear Admiral (lower half) Christopher D. Stone
Rear Admiral (lower half) Derek A. Trinque
Rear Admiral (lower half) Kurt J. Rothenhaus
Rear Admiral (lower half) Michael S. Sciretta

Key Takeaways:

Several Rear Admirals have been appointed to key positions within the US Navy
These appointments will see Rear Admirals taking on important roles in various capacities across the Navy, including in Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, and Japan.
The new appointments demonstrate the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and capable force.

Conclusion:

The latest flag officer assignments in the US Navy demonstrate the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and capable force. These Rear Admirals have been appointed to key positions across the Navy, highlighting the importance of their roles in ensuring the Navy remains a formidable force around the world. As Americans, we should be proud of our Navy and the brave men and women who serve in it, and we should continue to support efforts to ensure it remains strong and capable for years to come

Rear Admiral Status in the US Navy.

To become a Rear Admiral in the US Navy, an individual must first be commissioned as an officer. Commissioned officers in the Navy typically start as Ensigns and advance through a series of promotions over the course of their career.

The promotion process for becoming a Rear Admiral is highly competitive and requires outstanding performance evaluations, leadership skills, and a track record of excellence in one’s field. The process also includes a review by a promotion board, which evaluates each candidate’s performance and potential for future success.

Once selected for promotion to Rear Admiral, individuals must complete a rigorous training program at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. This program includes courses on leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making, as well as opportunities for hands-on experience in various naval operations.

Overall, becoming a Rear Admiral in the US Navy requires a long and distinguished career of service, leadership, and excellence. It is a significant accomplishment and a testament to an individual’s dedication and commitment to the Navy and the United States.

Virginia Siblings Make History as First Black Triplets to Enlist in the Navy

Sutton triplets, pictured attending elementary school
Inage courtesy of the
Sutton Famoly

The Sutton siblings from Virginia, Ayrion, Andrea, and Adrion, have recently made history by becoming the first Black triplets to enlist in the Navy.

Inspired by their parents, who met while serving on the USS Arctic in 1999, the siblings have made enlisting in the Navy a family affair. Adrion Sutton, the youngest of the triplets, first expressed interest in joining the Navy in high school.

The Sutton triplets have always been curious about their parents’ experiences serving in the Navy and have been encouraged by their parents to pursue their dreams. Their father, Andre Sutton, recently reenlisted and said that his children inspired him.

The Suttons’ enlistment represents a legacy of bravery and service within their family.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sutton siblings from Virginia, Ayrion, Andrea, and Adrion, have become the first Black triplets to enlist in the Navy.
  • The siblings were inspired by their parents, who met while serving on the USS Arctic in 1999.
  • The Sutton triplets have always been curious about their parents’ experiences serving in the Navy and have been encouraged by their parents to pursue their dreams.
  • The siblings’ father, Andre Sutton, recently reenlisted and said that his children inspired him.
  • The Suttons’ enlistment represents a legacy of bravery and service within their family.
  • StrongerNavy.org Celebrates the Sutton Siblings’ Enlistment

At StrongerNavy.org, we celebrate the Sutton siblings’ historic enlistment in the Navy. Their story is a reminder of the importance of family and the role of the Navy in providing opportunities for growth and personal development.

We thank the Sutton siblings for their service and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. We also extend our gratitude to their parents and all service members who have made sacrifices to serve our country. StrongerNavy.org remains committed to advocating for a strong and capable Navy that can continue to defend our nation and protect our interests around the world.

Flying High: The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s Mission to Preserve and Honor Naval Aviation History

Greetings to Members and Subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,

Today, we are shining a spotlight on the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, one of the largest and most influential organizations supporting the U.S. Navy. As part of our ongoing effort to showcase auxiliary organizations that share our mission to educate and raise awareness about the importance of a strong Navy, we are excited to feature the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation on our blog at StrongerNavy.org.

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation was established in 1966 and is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of naval aviation through supporting the National Naval Aviation Museum. With a revenue of over $20 million, the foundation has become one of the largest and most impactful organizations supporting the Navy’s aviation community.

The foundation’s mission is to educate and inspire the public on the history and development of naval aviation, as well as support the museum’s efforts to preserve and exhibit aircraft and artifacts of naval aviation. The foundation offers membership to individuals and organizations, with various levels of engagement and benefits.

As part of its programs and initiatives, the foundation hosts events, exhibitions, and educational programs for the public, including school tours, lectures, and STEM programs. The foundation also provides funding for the museum’s exhibits, restorations, and acquisitions, as well as supports the museum’s research and publications on naval aviation.

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s impact on the Navy’s mission is significant, as it plays a crucial role in preserving the history and heritage of naval aviation and educating the public on its importance. Through its support of the National Naval Aviation Museum, the foundation ensures that future generations will understand and appreciate the Navy’s aviation community and its contributions to national defense.

The foundation’s work aligns with the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy, as both organizations share a commitment to educating and raising awareness about the importance of a stronger Navy. By supporting the foundation’s efforts, readers can contribute to the preservation and exhibition of naval aviation history, as well as inspire future generations to pursue careers in naval aviation.

We encourage readers to support the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation by becoming members or making a donation to the foundation. For more information on the foundation and its programs, please visit their website at navalaviationfoundation.org.

Thank you for your support of a Stronger Navy.

Advocating for a Strong Navy: Spotlight on the Fleet Reserve Association

As Americans, we have a responsibility to support and defend our nation, and one of the most important ways we can do this is by advocating for a strong and capable military. That’s why te Americans for a Stronger Navy members are proud to feature the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) as part of our ongoing efforts to support our men and women in uniform.

In this blog post, we will explore the important work of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) and highlight their contributions to our nation’s military and veterans.

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and benefits of active duty, reserve, and retired members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Founded in 1924, the FRA is the oldest and largest organization of its kind, with over 50,000 members and more than 200 branches across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The mission of the FRA is to enhance and safeguard the pay, benefits, and quality of life for all members of the sea services and their families, as well as to promote a strong national defense and a robust U.S. Navy. The FRA achieves this mission through a variety of programs and initiatives, including:

  • Legislative advocacy: The FRA works with Congress and the Department of Defense to ensure that sea service members receive the pay, benefits, and support they deserve.
  • Scholarships: The FRA offers a variety of scholarships to help members and their families pursue higher education.
  • Community service: The FRA supports a wide range of community service projects, including youth programs, veterans’ organizations, and disaster relief efforts.
  • Camaraderie: The FRA provides a sense of camaraderie and support for sea service members and their families, helping them to stay connected and informed.

The FRA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and has branches located throughout the United States and overseas. According to its website, “The FRA has worked to influence legislation that protects your rights and guarantees your benefits. In addition, the Association has been a watchdog on government activities that affect military readiness or overall national security.”

The FRA’s commitment to a strong national defense and a robust U.S. Navy aligns with the mission of Americans for a Stronger Navy, which seeks to educate and inform the public about the importance of a strong and capable Navy. As such, the FRA and Americans for a Stronger Navy share a common goal of ensuring that the sea services have the resources they need to protect our nation’s interests and promote global stability.

For additional information vist them on the web,

Preserving Our Naval Heritage: The Important Mission of the Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA)

The HNSA: Preserving Our Naval Heritage

The HNSA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving historic naval vessels that played a significant role in our country’s maritime history. These vessels include some of the most iconic ships in the history of the United States Navy, such as the USS Constitution, the USS Missouri, and the USS Iowa.

The Battleship Missouri Memorial rests in the heart of Pearl Harbor offering activities and tours to Hawaii’s visitors from across the world.

The HNSA is committed to ensuring that these historic ships are maintained and preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. This organization provides resources and support to its members, which include museums, non-profits, and government agencies. Through its annual conference, the HNSA brings together members from across the country to share knowledge and best practices, and to promote the preservation of historic naval ships.

Why We Should Honor and Support the HNSA

The preservation of our naval heritage is important for many reasons. Our naval history has played a significant role in shaping our country’s identity and values, and it continues to inform our national security strategies and policies today.

The HNSA is an organization that recognizes the importance of our naval heritage, and is dedicated to preserving it for future generations. By supporting this organization, we can ensure that our naval history is not forgotten, and that the lessons learned from it continue to inform our national security decisions.

The Importance of a Strong Navy

The HNSA’s mission is closely tied to the importance of a strong Navy. A strong Navy is essential to our national security, and it plays a crucial role in protecting our interests around the world.

A strong Navy requires more than just modern ships and advanced technology; it requires a deep understanding and appreciation of our naval history and traditions. By preserving and promoting our naval heritage, the HNSA is helping to ensure that we have a strong Navy that can meet the challenges of the future.

Conclusion

The Historic Naval Ships Association is an organization that we should honor and support for its dedication to preserving our naval heritage. Our naval history has played a significant role in shaping our country’s identity and values, and it continues to inform our national security decisions today.

“At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong Navy is essential to our national security. The @HNSA_Shps mission is closely tied to this belief, as preserving our naval heritage is crucial to maintaining a strong Navy for the future. As the saying goes, rising tides lift all boats, and a strong Navy benefits us all.”

By supporting the @HNSA_Shps and visiting its historic ships, families can not only enjoy a unique and educational experience, but also contribute to the preservation of our naval heritage and the strengthening of our Navy. Big Ships, Small Ships, fun for the whole family!”

Follow this link to their website.

US Navy Ramps Up Chaplain Deployment to Tackle Escalating Mental Health Crisis Among Sailors

The US Navy is deploying more chaplains aboard ships to address the growing mental health concerns among its sailors, including an increase in suicides.

Chaplains are being deployed to connect with sailors, regardless of their religious affiliation, and provide them with confidential counseling.

Navy officials hope to have 47 chaplains on ships based in Norfolk, Virginia, up from 37 today, and to enhance access to mental health care without stigma or retaliation.

Suicide and mental health concerns among enlisted men under 29 are rising, with more than 500 service members taking their own lives in 2021.

US Navy Chaplain Responsibilities

According to the official website of the Navy Chaplain Corps, the daily responsibilities of a US Navy Chaplain include:

Providing religious ministry: The chaplain conducts religious services and sacraments, such as Mass, Communion, and Baptism, to meet the religious needs of sailors and their families.

Counseling and pastoral care: Chaplains provide confidential counseling to sailors and their families on a variety of issues, including marital problems, financial difficulties, and personal stress.

Advising the command: The chaplain advises the command on the religious and spiritual needs of the crew and provides guidance on ethical and moral issues.

Crisis response: Chaplains are trained to provide crisis response and emotional support during natural disasters, accidents, and combat situations.

Training and development: The chaplain also provides training and development programs to sailors and their families on religious and spiritual topics.

Source: United States Navy Chaplain Corps, “Roles and Responsibilities,” accessed March 30, 2023, https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/chaplain/Pages/Roles-and-Responsibilities.aspx.

Raytheon Awarded Contract for Navy Radars

Raytheon Technologies has been awarded a $619 million contract to produce AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy. This contract is the second option exercised from the March 2022 hardware, production, and sustainment contract, which is valued up to $3 billion over five years.

The SPY-6 radars can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and surface ships simultaneously, and provide significantly greater detection range, increased sensitivity, and more accurate discrimination than legacy radars.

The radars are being integrated into the US fleet, and this contract will enable them to be added to more ships, including the first of existing Flight IIA destroyers that will be modernized.

About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

US Navy won’t be “bullied” says Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney

The commander of a US Navy aircraft carrier in Northeast Asia, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, has said that American forces will not be deterred by China’s warnings of conflict.

On Board the USS Nimitz courtesy of Sky News

“We’re resolute in that we’re not going to be bullied, we’re not going to be coerced, and we are going to stay here and fly and operate in international norms,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, who heads up Carrier Strike Group 11, a flotilla of warships led by the “supercarrier” USS Nimitz.The USS Nimitz and its escorts have arrived in South Korea after back-to-back war games with Japan and South Korea.

China is challenging America’s right to operate in the region, but Sweeney stated that the Navy will sail, operate and fly wherever international law allows, and they do not seek conflict with China.

About Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney

Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney
Commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN

Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and also a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, with a master’s degree in International Policy and Practice.

Sweeney has served in a diverse range of sea and shore assignments. As a surface warfare officer, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 15 (CDS 15) from 2015 to 2016 in the Western Pacific and the Destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) from 2009 to 2010, deploying twice to the Arabian Gulf in support of U.S. and Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His service at sea since 1992 includes assignments aboard USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Cyclone (PC 1) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) deployed to the Middle East, Western Pacific, Mediterranean and South America.

His shore tours included deputy for Combat Systems and Warfighting Integration, responsible for future surface combatant force requirements and integration of warfighting investments for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96). He has also served as the branch head for Integrated Air & Missile Defense for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96) and as a strategic and political-military planner on the staffs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-5) and the Chief of Naval Operations.

His first flag tour was as the deputy director for Policy, Plans, Strategy, Capabilities and Resources (J-5/8), U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal and various personal, unit, service and campaign awards.

Navy Admiral Appointment Announced

Rear Adm. James P. Downey courtesy U.S.Navy

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations.

Navy Rear Adm. James P. Downey for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, and assignment as commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Downey is currently serving as program executive officer for Aircraft Carriers, Washington, D.C.

About Rear Adm. James P. Downey

Rear Adm. James Downey is a native of New York. He is a 1986 graduate of the State University of New York, Albany, New York with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Computer Science. He was commissioned in 1987 and is a 1997 graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California with a Master of Science in Computer Science followed by Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) School in Port Hueneme, California, where he graduated with distinction and received the Founder’s Award.

He qualified as a surface warfare officer aboard USS Hayler (DD 997) in 1989. Additional operational assignments include intelligence briefing officer to the Commander in Chief, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea , Seoul, Korea; and multiple deployments afloat in the North Atlantic, Baltic, Arctic Circle, and Pacific.

Engineering duty officer assignments include assistant program manager for surface and subsurface integration for GPS and Navigation Sensor System Interface programs, leading Tomahawk integration; chief engineer for high assurance systems at the Defense Information Systems Agency and National Security Agency; officer in charge of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command , Yokosuka, Japan; CVN 21 program chief engineer, principal assistant program manager , and warfare systems director; CG(X) major program manager; and major program manager for the DDG 1000 program including delivery of the first ship of the class.

His first flag assignment was commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center during which time he also served as Naval Sea Systems Command’s deputy commander for surface warfare. He assumed duties as program executive officer, Aircraft Carriers in June 2019.

Downey’s awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and various other personal, unit, and service awards.

Naval Sea Systems Command

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is comprised of more than 86,643 (as of 1 Oct 2021) civilian and military personnel in 42 activities located across the United States and Asia. Together, we build, buy and maintain ships, submarines and combat systems for the U.S. Navy

Comptroller (SEA 01) provides financial policy, advice and quality services to ensure NAVSEA’s customers’ budgets are efficiently and effectively executed. SEA 01 manages appropriation areas as well as providing cost engineering, and industrial analysis.

Contracts (SEA 02) and its field contracting offices under the Contracts Competency award approximately $36 billion in contracts annually for new construction ships and submarines, ship repair, major weapon systems and services.

Cyber Engineering & Digital Transformation (SEA 03) has the responsibility for providing the infrastructure and support services for the programs and developers in the NAVSEA community. SEA 03 delivers combat power to the fleet through enterprise digital capabilities, infrastructure for cyber-secure digital work and innovation, and enhanced enterprise user’s experience.

Cyber Security: SEA 03 provides the NAVSEA Enterprise with guidance on cyber issues and ensures that all ships are able and ready to detect, defend and recover from cybersecurity attacks.
IT Services: SEA 03 maintains and facilitates Network Operations and IT Service Delivery for Headquarters NAVSEA end users to enable maximum productivity for NAVSEA civilians and military personnel in the support of the warfighter.
Digital Transformation: SEA 03 transforms NAVSEA digital capability adopting new digital technologies, capitalizing on data, increasing digital skills, and modernizing business processes.
Industrial Operations (SEA 04) has the important mission of getting ships to sea and keeping them ready. SEA 04 is the preferred integrator of maintenance and industrial operations for its Enterprise customers. SEA04 manages the four Naval Shipyards and the four Supervisors of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIPS).

Navy Drydocking: To request Navy Drydocking Reference Materials and/or the Navy Drydocking Course & Exam, contact NAVSEA’s Drydocking Safety Certification Representatives at (843) 794-7339 or (843) 794-7340.​
​The Naval Systems Engineering & Logistics Directorate (SEA 05) is responsible for providing the engineering and scientific expertise, knowledge, and technical authority necessary to design, build, maintain, repair, modernize, certify, and dispose of the Navy’s ships, submarines, and associated warfare systems. SEA 05 is organized into 16 groups:

Office of the Chief Engineer (SEA05B)
Cost Engineering and Industrial Analysis (SEA 05C)
Surface Ship Design and Systems Engineering (SEA 05D)
Explosive Ordnance Engineering (SEA 05E)
Integrated Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05H)
L&MW Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05M)
Undersea Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05N)
Ship Integrity and Performance Engineering (SEA 05P)
Readiness & Logistics (SEA 05R)
Industrial Engineering, Technical Policy and Standards (SEA 05S)
Technology Office (SEA 05T)
Submarine/Submersible Design & Systems Engineering (SEA 05U)
Aircraft Carrier Design & Systems Engineering (SEA 05V)
Surface Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA 05W)
Weapons Systems, Ordnance, and Explosive Safety and Security (SEA 05X)
Marine Engineering (SEA 05Z)

Undersea Warfare (SEA 07) provides a full spectrum of research, development, test and evaluation, HM&E systems engineering and fleet support services to the in-service submarine and undersea forces. Submarine/Undersea Warfare Technology (SUBTECH) coordinates the development of technologies to fulfill undersea warfare capability requirements.

​Surface Warfare (SEA 21) manages the complete lifecycle support for all non-nuclear surface ships and is the principal interface with the Surface Warfare Enterprise. The directorate is responsible for the maintenance and modernization of non-nuclear surface ships currently operating in the Fleet. Through planned modernization and upgrade programs, SEA 21 will equip today’s surface ships with the latest technologies and systems to keep them in the Fleet through their service lives. Additionally, SEA 21 oversees the ship inactivation process, including ship transfers or sales to friendly foreign navies, inactivation and/or disposal.

Corporate Operations (SEA 10) performs all operations support for NAVSEA directorates and field activities as well as PEOs. Support includes administrative products and services, career planning, employee development, facilities, foreign military sales coordination, human resources, security, and university research assistance.

USS Ashland departs Sasebo, Japan – CDR Dirk Sonnenberg, Commanding Officer

SASEBO, Japan — The dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) departed Sasebo March 22, 2023 for its new homeport of San Diego, California. Ashland had been stationed in Sasebo since August 2013, during which time it participated in numerous exercises and operation.

This will be a permanent change of station for the crew and family members.

“I can’t thank the wonderful city of Sasebo enough for all their warm hospitality,” said Cmdr. Dirk Sonnenberg, the commanding officer of Ashland. “I’ve done multiple tours in Japan, but Sasebo will always be special to me as the warmest and most welcoming city to be hosted at. The experience will never be forgotten by the Sailors who served here. It has been an extreme privilege for Ashland to have served the U.S./Japan Alliance for nearly 10 years from Sasebo.”

Ashland arrived at Sasebo in August of 2013 and conducted operations under Expeditionary Strike Group 7.

The ship participated in numerous exercises and operations, to include Iron Fist, Balikatan, and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) series events. Additionally, the crew conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in Saipan and Tinian in 2015 and 2018.

Ashland’s operations included first-in-class and proof of concept tasking to increase the interoperability of the U.S. Navy with Allies and partners in the region.

“Coming from Shelbyville, Kentucky, it was amazing to come half-way around the world to experience Sasebo and everything the Western Pacific has to offer,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Stephen Ruddy. “Everyone in Sasebo was so helpful and friendly. I’ll miss the camaraderie of being stationed in such a great town.”

Maintaining a forward-deployed naval force capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

Ashland’s homeport change complies with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates that U.S. Navy ships forward deployed to Japan not exceed 10 years. The ship expects to arrive in San Diego in mid-Spring, following her Trans-Pacific voyage.

CDR Dirk Sonnenberg

CDR Dirk Sonnenberg is the Commanding Officer of USS ASHLAND (LSD 48). He hails from Tucson, Arizona. He received his commission in 2004 from the University of Arizona NROTC program in Tucson, Arizona. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in History, as well as a Master of Arts in Security Studies for Homeland Defense and Security from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is also Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI).

CDR Sonnenberg has served at sea as Executive Officer in USS ASHLAND (LSD 48), as Operations Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) in Norfolk, VA and Mayport, FL, Navigation Officer in onboard USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) in Yokosuka, Japan, and Strike Officer in USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) and USS SHILOH (CG 67) also in Yokosuka, Japan.

Ashore, he served as Director, Military Sealift Command (MSC) Ship Support Unit Japan, in Yokohama, Japan, Deputy Operations Officer for Commander, Task Force 76/Expeditionary Strike Group Seven in Okinawa, Japan and as Exercise/Staff Officer in Naval Forces Korea in Seoul, South Korea.

He attended SMWDC’s inaugural Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor course becoming one of the first Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructors.

Awards and achievements include: COMNAVSURFLANT Finalist for Surface Warfare Officer of the Year and earned Navy and Marine Association Peer Leadership Award. Other awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medals (5 awards), the Navy Achievement Medals (3 awards) and the Battle “E” Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (9 awards), and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5 awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards.