Major General Walter E. Gaskin, USMC (SSU '74)

Major General Walter E. Gaskin graduated from Savannah State University’s NROTC Scholarship Program in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. He was commissioned a 2ndLt on 2 June 1974. After graduation from the Basic School, he was assigned to the Second Marine Division and served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Executive Officer of Company K and the 106 Recoilless Rifle Platoon Commander for Third Battalion, Second Marines.

In May 1977, he went to Okinawa and served as the S-3 for Logistic Support Units (LSU) Echo and Foxtrot, 3d Force Service Support Group. He also served as the senior watch officer in the 3d Marine Division Command Center. In May 1978, he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island where he served as a Series Commander and Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Recruit Training Battalion. In 1980, he was assigned as the Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) at the NROTC Unit, Savannah State University and as the assistant Officer Selection Officer (OSO), Recruiting Station Macon, GA. Completing his MOI / Recruiting assignment Major General Gaskin was ordered to Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, VA in 1983.

In July 1984, Major General Gaskin joined First Battalion, Second Marines where he served as the Operations Officer (S-3). He was subsequently selected to attend the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS in July 1986. From 1987 until 1990, Major General Gaskin served as an action officer HQMC/MCCDC in charge of Unit Environmental Training Programs [Jungle, Cold Weather, Combined Arms Exercises (CAX)]. In 1990, he was assigned to the Combined Forces Command, Seoul Korea, where he served as Head, Ground Forces Branch, Operations Division, C/J-3. In July 1992, he reported to II MEF where he served as G-3 Current Operations Action Officer and Operations Officer for II MEF (FWD) during the planning and execution of Battle Griffin Exercise in Norway.

In July 1993, Major General Gaskin attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, PA. After graduation in June 1994, he was assigned as the Executive Officer, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division. In April 1995, he assumed command of Second Battalion, Second Marines (2/2). In January 1996, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as the Commanding Officer of Battalion Landing Team 2/2 (BLT 2/2) as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable [22nd MEU (SOC)] as the Landing Force Sixth Fleet (LF6F). During that deployment, he participated in Operation Assured Response and Quick Response in Defense of American Embassies in Liberia and The Central African Republic. From September 1996 to July 1998, Major General Gaskin served as the Ground Colonel’s Monitor at Headquarters Marine Corps. In August 1998, he returned to Camp Lejeune for duty as Head of Expeditionary Operations, G-3, II MEF.

In January 1999, Major General Gaskin assumed command of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. In September 1999, he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as Landing Force Sixth Fleet (LF6F). During this deployment the 22nd MEU (SOC) participated in Bright Star 99/00 in Egypt and Infinite Moonlight in Jordan. In addition, the 22nd MEU served as the Strategic Reserve for operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.

In March 2000, he assumed the duties of Commanding General, Training Command, Training and Education Command, MCCDC. Major General Gaskin then served as the Chief of Staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe and as the Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces Europe, in Naples Italy. He took command of Marine Corps Recruiting Command in September 2004. He was promoted to his current rank in October 2005.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award, Bronze Star with combat “V”, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 Gold Stars in lieu of 3rd award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

 

Captain Bernard L. Jackson, USN (SSU '78)

Captain Bernard L. Jackson is a native of Macon, Georgia and a 1978 graduate of Savannah State University where he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry.  Captain Jackson was commissioned an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

 From June 1979 to August 1982, Captain Jackson’s first tour of duty was as Gunnery Officer and Damage Control Assistance on board USS EL PASO (LKA 117).  During his tour, EL PASO completed an extensive overhaul and conducted a successful deployment to the Indian Ocean.

 In August of 1982 to April 1985, Captain Jackson was assigned to the Naval ROTC Unit, Savannah State University, where in addition to performing duties as Recruiting Officer/Sophomore Instructor he obtained a BS in Mathematics.

 In November 1985, Captain Jackson reported to USS CONNOLE (FF-1056) as Engineer Officer.  During his tour, CONNOLE conducted a successful deployment to the Mediterranean and was awarded the Battle “E”.

 In October 1987, Captain Jackson reported to USS JOSEPHUS DANIELS (CG-27) as Engineer Officer until October 1989.  During his tour, JOSEPHUS DANIELS completed a successful deployment to the Persian Gulf, participated in OPERATION EARNEST WILL, won the Battle “E” and was the recipient of the Arleigh Burke Award as the most improved surface combatant.

 From October 1989 to November 1991, Captain Jackson served on the staff of Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight.  During his tour, CCDG-8 participated in several complex operations, including Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.

 In March 1992, Captain Jackson reported to USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) as Executive Officer.  During his tour, TICONDEROGA participated in several fleet exercises and completed the first major AEGIS overhaul.

 In November 1993, Captain Jackson attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Subsequently, in January 1995 he reported for duty as action officer, Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5), the Joint Staff, Washington D.C.

 From August 1997 to November 1999, Captain Jackson served as Commanding Officer USS  McFAUL (DDG-74).  Following commissioning in April 1998, USS McFAUL successfully completed Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials, accelerated deployment work-ups and deployed to the Mediterranean in Sept 1999 with the John F Kennedy Battle Group as the flag ship for CTF-60.  The McFAUL was awarded the CINCLANTFLT “Retention Excellence Award” for 1999.

 In December 1999, Captain Jackson reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (N1) as the Director PERS-6 Washington Liaison Office and subsequently as Executive Secretary to the Navy Human Resources Board of Directors (NHRBOD).

 From September 2001 to September 2003, Captain Jackson served as Commander, Destroyer Squadron FOURTEEN.    As Commodore for eight modern warships he developed innovative training techniques which ensured all ships deployed fully combat ready.  

 From October 2003 to July 2004, Captain Jackson served as a Fellow to the CNO’s Strategic Studies Group.

 In August 2004 Captain Jackson reported as Deputy Director Military Plans and Policy Division, OPNAV N13.

Captain Donnie L. Cochran, USN (Ret) (SSU '76)

A 1976 graduate of Savannah State, Captain Donnie L. Cochran is a retired U.S. Navy Captain with over 24 years of aviation experience.  His career accomplishments include two tours with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as The Blue Angels.

He was the first African-American pilot selected to fly with the Blue Angels, and the first African-American pilot selected to command the Blue Angels.

During his tours as a Blue Angel pilot, he flew over 2,200 hours in more than 300 air shows before over 30 million spectators throughout the United States and Canada.  During his final assignment he served as the Deputy Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, second in command of over 7,000 people at over 1500 locations around the nation and abroad.

Captain Leonard B. Jones, USN (SSU '78)

After completing two years of Officer Recruiting Duty at Navy Recruiting District, Atlanta in April 1984, he attended Department Head School in Newport, RI.  Upon completion of Department Head School in September 1984, he served two years as Operations Officer in USS CHARLES F. ADAMS (DDG 2) homeported in Mayport, FL until October 1986.

He then served two years as Operations Officer on the staff of DESTROYER SQUADRON 31 homeported in San Diego, CA until December 1988. He then attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, receiving a Master of Science degree in Applied Science specializing in Anti-Submarine Warfare in March 1991.  Following the Naval Postgraduate School, he served as Executive Officer in USS VINCENNES (CG 49) homeported in San Diego until February 1993. 

His next assignment was Staff Operations and Plans Officer for Commander, Afloat Training Group Western Pacific, in Yokosuka, Japan from March 1993 until July 1995, where he led training for all ships in the 7^th Fleet and Forward Deployed Naval Forces.  He then completed a year at the National War College, National Defense University, in Washington, DC, where he earned a Master of Science degree in National Security Affairs in June 1996.

He then served as Commanding Officer of Navy Recruiting District, Atlanta from October 1996 to September 1998, where his area of responsibility included 25 Navy recruiting stations throughout Georgia and South Carolina.  He served as the Naval Attaché/Liaison Officer to U.S. Embassy Nassau, Bahamas from November 1998 until February 2001 which included service as the Senior U.S. Defense Representative for The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos for U.S. Southern Command. 

From March 2001 until July 2004 he served as Director of the Latin American, Caribbean & Middle East Division at the Navy International Programs Office in Washington, DC, overseeing State Department Security Assistance and Department of the Navy Foreign Military Sales programs.  He is currently serving as the Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of Navy ROTC Unit Savannah State University, Savannah, GA.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (three
awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, and several other unit and service awards.
 

Captain Mary B. McLendon, USN (SSU '78)

Captain McLendon is a native of Savannah, Ga.  She was commissioned as an Ensign in 1978 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program after receiving a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Armstrong State College in Savannah, Ga.  Captain McLendon’s first tour of duty was at the Defense Communications Agency / Command and Control Technical Center in Washington, D.C. as a computer applications programmer from 1978 through 1981.  From there, she attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif.  After she received her master’s degree in systems technology (command, control, and communications) in 1983, she served as a staff officer with the World Wide Military Command and Control System (WWMCCS) Modernization Program Office. 

In 1986, Captain McLendon transferred to the Navy Regional Data Automation Center (NARDAC) in Washington, D.C. in a department head assignment.  After attending the Armed Forces Staff College in 1989, she served with the Commander in Chief Channel Command, Northwood, England as a NATO communications-planning officer.  Captain McLendon returned to the United States from her tour in England to report to the Director, Communications Security Material System (DCMS) in Washington, D.C.  There she was assigned as the executive officer and protempore commanding officer from 1991-1992, before becoming the executive officer of Naval Station New York from December 1992 through June 1994.  Subsequently, she reported to U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Far East in Yokosuka, Japan as the commanding officer in July 1994. 

Following a two-year command tour, Captain McLendon returned to the U.S. in 1996 to serve in the Directorate of Command Control Systems (J6) of the North American Aerospace Defence Command and United States Space Command as chief of the Current Operations Branch.  She reported onboard Naval Space Command in Dahlgren, Virginia in March 2000 as the director of Information Systems (N6) and assumed duties as director of Operations and Plans (N3/5) in February 2001.  She remained the Director of Operations when the Naval Network and Space Operations Command was established in July 2002.  Captain McLendon assumed command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific on June 30, 2003.  Captain McLendon returned to the mainland and reported onboard United States Northern Command as Division Chief for C4 Operations, Directorate of Command and Control Systems (J6) in August 2005. 

Captain McLendon’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star. 
 

Colonel Flora M. Emerson, USMCR (SSU '80)

Colonel Flora Emerson was born in Savannah, Georgia on November 15, 1957. She graduated from Savannah State College in 1980 and was the first female to receive a commission into the United States Marine Corps from their Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program. Commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant she immediately reported to The Basic School for training. Upon completion of The Basic School in October 1980 she went on to attend and successfully complete Maintenance Management School during November 1980.

During January 1981 she reported to 3d FSSG, Okinawa, Japan as the Assistant G-4A then transferred to 7^th Communications Battalion as the Maintenance Management Officer.

From January 1982 though July 1991 Capt Emerson served in various commands as a Logistician, Director of Maintenance Management School, Protocol Officer and Commanding Officer, Headquarters and Service Company.  Capt Emerson completed Amphibious Warfare School in 1992 and was then assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force where she coordinated the retrograde of all personnel and equipment from Southwest Asia.  Capt Emerson was promoted to the rank of Major in 1992 and departed active duty that same year.

Maj Emerson joined the Reserves in July 1993 and served as the Logistics Officer, Mobilization Training Unit, Pensacola, FL.  In March 1998 she returned to active duty as the Action Officer, Cooperative Osprey 98, 2d FSSG, Camp Lejeune, NC.  Major Emerson was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1999 and continued service in the active and reserve forces until May 2000.  From August 2000 through September 2003, LtCol Emerson served on active duty as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 and Integrated Logistics Coordinator, 2d FSSG, Camp Lejeune, NC. 

Lieutenant Colonel Emerson was selected to the rank of Colonel during June 2003 and was subsequently promoted June 2004.  During October 2005 Colonel Emerson reported to Marine Corps Systems Command where she currently serves as the Assistant Commander, Product Support.

Col Emerson is the recipient of numerous awards. The award she is most proud of is the 1992 Roy Wilkins Award for community service while representing the Marine Corps.

Captain Albert Curry, Jr, USN (Ret) (SSU '80)

Captain Albert Curry, Jr., is a native of Edgefield, South Carolina and a 1976 graduate from Strom Thurmond High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from Savannah State University and his Master of Science Degree in Systems Engineering (Electronic Warfare) from the Naval Postgraduate School. In August 1980, Captain Curry received his commission through the Savannah State Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program. He is also a graduate of the Advanced Program Management Course at Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir and is a certified Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III Acquisition Professional.

In October 1980, Captain Curry reported to USS CONOLLY (DD-979) in Mombassa, Kenya during her deployment to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf where he served as Assistant Combat Information Center Officer and Assistant to the Main Propulsion Assistant. Upon returning from deployment in December 1980, he reported to the Surface Warfare Officer Basic Course. At completion of the basic course and the Main Propulsion Assistant Course in July 1981, he was reassigned to USS CONOLLY (DD-979), serving as Assistant First Lieutenant, Electrical Officer, Auxiliaries Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant until July 1984. It was on USS CONOLLY that Captain Curry was designated a Surface Warfare Officer as well as an Engineering Officer of the Watch. During his tenure on board, USS CONOLLY he completed deployments to the Persian Gulf, the North Atlantic combined with Eastern Mediterranean contingency operations, and to South American and Western Africa. He completed the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head course in May 1987 and reported to USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY (LST-1197). Onboard USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY he served as Engineering Officer until March 1989 where he completed another South America deployment. From March 1989 until January 1991, Captain Curry served as Material and Logistics Plans Officer for Amphibious Squadron EIGHT. In addition to performing special operations and a six months Mediterranean deployment, Captain Curry while onboard Amphibious Squadron EIGHT, deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield.

From February 1993 through May 1994 he served as the Executive Officer on USS NICHOLSON (DD-982) completing counter drug operations and a deployment to the Persian Gulf. As Commanding Officer of USS PENSACOLA (LSD-38) from January 1998 to September 1999, Captain Curry executed work ups, MARCOT 98-1, a six months Mediterranean deployment and completed ship transfer to the Taiwan Navy.

Captain Curry is currently serving as Director, Naval Sea Systems Command Total Force Development Office. Previous ashore assignments include: Assistant Program Manager for the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Program Office for ships and submarines; Deputy Program Manager for the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Mission Planning System; Technical Director and Major Program Manager for the Cruiser Conversion Program; Chief-of-Staff for Program Executive Officer Aircraft Carriers; Warfare Systems Engineer for Amphibious/Auxiliary/US Coast Guard ships in Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems; and Deputy for Naval Sea Systems Commands Task Force Total Force.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal (with 3 gold stars), and various Campaign, service and unit awards.

Captain Annie B. Andrews, USN (SSU '83)

Captain Andrews, a native of Midway, Georgia, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University in 1983 and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Troy State University in 1986.

Upon commissioning as an Ensign in August 1983, she reported to Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Florida, and was assigned as Billeting Officer and subsequently served as Assistant Administrative Officer, Training Air Wing FIVE, and Assistant Flight Support Coordinator, Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT. In December 1986, she was assigned to the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific (JICPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, as an Intelligence Analyst. During this tour she was selected and served as the Executive Assistant to Commander, JICPAC. In April 1990, she served overseas as Director, Counseling and Assistance Center, Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. In November 1991, Commander Andrews assumed the duties as Officer-in-Charge, Navy Personnel Support Activity Detachments Subic Bay and Cubi Point and served as Area Commander, United States Forces Philippines, Republic of the Philippines. In December 1992, she was assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, D.C., where she served as Branch Head, Deserter Branch/Deserter Apprehension Program (PERS-842). In June 1995, she served as the Commander, Boston Military Entrance Processing Station, Boston, Masschuetts. In September 1999, she was assigned to the Pentagon where she served as Chief, Requirements Branch and Joint Manpower Planner, Manpower and Personnel Directorate J-1, the Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. From October 2001 to March 2002, she served on the OPNAV (N13) Staff, Washington, D.C. as the Assistant Human Resources Community Manager assisting in the transformation of the Fleet Support Community. Captain Andrews reported to Navy Recruiting District San Francisco (NRD) in June 2002 as Executive Officer and assumed the duties as Commanding Officer of NRD San Francisco in December 2003. During her tenure, Team San Francisco earned both the Officer and Enlisted Recruiting “R” Excellence Awards for three consecutive years. Captain Andrews reported for duties as Executive Officer, Recruit Training Command in April 2005. Captain Andrews assumed the duties as Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Command in June 06.

Captain Andrews’ military education includes a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War College in 1999. She also graduated from the Joint Forces Staff College, and in April 2000, she was designated a Joint Specialty Officer (JSO).

Captain Andrews’ awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, National Defense Service Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Navy Recruiting Ribbon, Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

Captain Andrews is an accomplished vocalist. Throughout her career, she has performed as a soloist for numerous professional and community ventures. Commander Andrews is the recipient of the 2002 W. C. Shipman “Trail Blazer” Award, recognizing her contributions to the community, the Navy and the nation. In March 2002, she received the Army Chief of Chaplain’s “Scroll of Honor” Award for her contributions to the Pentagon Chapel Music Program. Most significantly, Commander Andrews arranged all of the music and performed at the President’s National Day of Prayer Service at the Pentagon following the 11 September attack.
 

Captain Cynthia Miller, USN (Ret) (SSU '77)

CURRENT POSITION: Miller is the Chief, of the Office of Recruitment and Staffing at the National Security Agency, Department of Defense, Fort Meade, Maryland. The Office of Recruitment and Staffing supports the Associate Director for Human Resources, NSA by recruiting and staffing the agency at 98 percent. Miller is responsible for a current recruitment mission of approximately 1,500. These new hires will be employed in the areas of Intelligence Analysis, Computer Science, Language, Engineering & Physical Science, Mathematics, Security, Acquisition, HR, Legal Support Services and Facilities. Through recruitment, Miller along with her staff of approximately 80 personnel will ensure that the National Security Agency is sufficiently manned to contribute to the nation’s safety and security.

EDUCATION: Miller graduated in 1983 with a Masters Degree from Central Michigan University in Business Management. In 1977, she earned a Bachelors degree from Savannah State University(SSU) in Business Administration. Additionally, she graduated from the Navy Recruiting Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at SSU and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. She also graduated from the Marine Corps Command and Staff in 1991 with a Masters level equivalency in Strategic Planning. Miller is a graduate of the Navy Recruiting Orientation School, Navy Leadership School, Navy Legal Officers School, Armed Forces Command & Staff College. She is designated as a Joint Services Officer and Manpower Personnel & Training Sub specialist.

PRIOR POSITIONS:
Held Human Resources Positions

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Prior to joining NSA, Miller served 27 years as an officer in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, she earned the following professional certificates and awards: Planning Programming Budgetary System certification – WBB & Associates, COTAR certification-Navy Contracting Support Office, Civilian Management Training Certificate, and numerous Military Performance Awards to include three Legions of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medals. Retired at the rank of Captain (2004).
 

Captain Victor B. Stuckey, USNR (SSU '79)

Captain Stuckey was born in Dublin GA, where he graduated from Dublin High School in 1975. He is a 1979 graduate of Savannah State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. Captain Stuckey received his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (NROTC) program as an engineering duty officer designee. He was awarded a Master of Science degree in 1988, from the Navy’s Postgraduate School in Monterey California.

Captain Stuckey’s active duty assignments included tours at or aboard:
NETC Newport RI
Charleston Navy Shipyard
USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5)
Navy Postgraduate School, Monterey CA
USS Ranger (CV-61)
Supervisor Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, San Diego

Captain Stuckey began his present affiliation with the U.S. Navy Reserve component in 1991.

Reserve duty assignments have included billets with:
NR Readiness Support Group Det 119, San Diego CA
NR Navy Shipyard Norfolk Det 308 (XO), Chattanooga TN
NR MASC Pier Ops Det 5 (CO), Greenville SC
NR Flight Deck Functional Team 1 (CO), Greenville SC 
NR Navy Command Center Det 106 (ACOS), Pentagon-Washington DC   
NR Commander Sixth Fleet Det 802 (AO), Atlanta GA  
NR VTU 0705G, Columbia SC

Captain Stuckey is employed with Bellsouth Telecommunications as a network operations area manager. In addition to numerous awards and professional affiliations, he is a graduate of the “Leadership Macon (GA)” class of 2001, and Columbia’s (SC) “Blueprint for Leadership” class of 2004.

Captain Frank J. Smith USN (Ret) (SSU '76)

Captain Smith is a native of Monroe, Georgia.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Savannah State University and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy through the NROTC Program in June 1976.  He also holds a Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Captain Smith's tours of duties include Head Instructor, Joint Aviation Supply and Maintenance Material Management, Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia; Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer Naval Air Maintenance Training Group in Pensacola, Florida.  Captain Smith retired from the Navy in August 2003 after 27 years of faithful and honorable service.  Captain Smith is currently employed as a Senior Program Manager by General Dynamics Information Technology.

Captain Smith's military awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (four awards).
 

Captain William Curtis USN (Ret) (SSU '78)

Captain Curtis' tours of duties include Supply Officer for Fighter Squadron One (VF-1) in San Diego, California; Business and Financial Management Intern in the Rolling Airframe Missile Project Office (RAM), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Headquarters, Cyrstal City, Virginia; Aviation Support Division Officer (ASDO), Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, Business Manager for the Source Data System Project Office at the Naval Accounting and Finance Center (NAFC), Supply Officer in USS Dale (CG-19), Deputy Program Manager, Program Manager and Assistant Deputy Chief Of Staff for Information Resource Management/Program Management, for the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC), Supply Officer, Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, Supply Officer in USS Saipan (LHA-2), Branch Head, Command Support/Resources Branch (N462) of the CINCLANTFLT Shore Activities Readiness division, and Commanding Officer of The Fitting Out and Supply Support Assistance Center (FOSSAC), in Norfolk, Virginia and Director of Operations Support, Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Ft Eustis Virginia.

Captain Curtis retired from active service on 31 December 2005 and is currently a Senior Consulting Manager with AMSEC, LLC.  His personal awards include the Legion on Merit (2), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Naval Commendation Medal (2) and the Naval Achievement Medal.
 

Captain George B. Austin USN (Ret) (SSU '74)

Captain Austin is a native of Bainbridge, Georgia.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Savannah State College and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy through the NROTC Program in June 1975.  He also holds a Masters Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology with a concentration in Digital Systems from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

Captain Austin's tours of duties include Assitant Main Propulsion Assistant and First Division Officer onboard USS Durham (LKA 114).  His Navy Reserve duties included tours as Commanding Officer NR PERSMOBTEAM 3208, Jacksonville, Fl; Commanding Officer NR SIMA 908, Mayport, FL; and Commanding Officer NR DD983 John Rodgers, Mayport, FL.  He has over 20 years of teaching experience in the field of Electonics Engineering Technology at DeVry University, Southeaster Oklahoma State University, and Florida A&M University.  Captain Austin retired from the Navy in October 2000 and currently serves as the Interim Dean of School Technology at DeVry University.  His personal awards include the Navy Achievement Medal and serveral other unit and service awards.

 

Captain Willie L. Metts USN (SSU '85)

Captain Willie L. Metts is a native of Danville, GA.  He graduated from Savannah State University in 1985, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.  Following commissioning, he performed initial sea duty on USS Thomas C. Hart (FF-1092) and USS Thomas S. Gates (CG-51), completing 3 deployments to the Mediterranean and Red Seas with sustained combat operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Following initial sea duty assignments, Captain Metts transferred to the Naval Postgraduate School from 1991-1993 earning a Master of Science Degree in Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I).

Selected as a Naval Cryptologist in 1993, Captain Metts transferred to Naval Security Group Command Detachment Potomac, in Washington D.C.  In 1997, he reported for duty as Naval Security Group Department Head at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Guam and subsequently fleeted up to Executive Officer.  In 1999, he was assigned to the staff of Commander, Carrier Group Two embarked in USS Harrys S. Truman (CVN-75) in Norfolk, VA as Cryptologic Resource Coordinator.  During this assignment, he completed the maiden deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman tot he Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf and participated in Operation Southern Watch to enforce UNSC resolutions against Iraq.

In 2001, Captain Metts transferred to the Naval War College earning a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security Studies and Strategic Planning.  After graduation, he reported to the Staff of Commander, United States Pacific Command in Hawaii where he served as Deputy Director, Collections and Information Acquisitions Division, and completed the Harvard University Senior Executive Fellows Program in Nov 2004.

In Jul 2005, Captain Metts was selected as Special Assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet and in Jul 2006, reported for duty as Commanding Officer, Naval Information Operations Command, Hawaii.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and various service and joint expeditionary medals and ribbons.