Maine Maritime Academy

Naval career spanned over 20 years as a commissioned officer.  Experienced many firsts; as being assigned to the Navy’s First Ocean going Hydrofoil, and newest  jet powered Patrol Gunboat.  The gunboat was the first to arrive in Vietnam. In Vietnam encountered enemy action. One firefight in particular was the Battle of SaKy where the gunboat tracked, intercepted, engaged and involved with the capture of the first North Vietnamese gun running trawler of the war. Other significant assignments included Destroyer duty, staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, and Commander Naval Sea Systems Command.  When the USS STARK was severely damaged by an Iraqi missile attack, was designated by the Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command to take charge of the multi-million dollar restoration. In the final years of my naval career was the technical director and senior naval advisor to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and was a key player in both operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm of the Gulf War. During Desert Storm was selected to represent the U.S. Navy as part of a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) chartered U.S. Delegation to study the defense posture of Saudi Arabia (Joint Security Review Group).  The group was headed by both U.S. and Saudi Flag officers. The purpose of the group was to travel throughout the battle grounds of Desert Storm with both U.S. and Saudi Arabian Armed Force Review Group members to identify, collect and deliver politically sensitive recommendations to improve combat readiness.  During my naval career was awarded various Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals, and personal decorations.

In addition, received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in commemoration of courageous military service to the United States of America in the Vietnam War.

Was also featured in several Publications including BEHIND MY WINGS, the Untold Stories of Vietnam Vets, authored by BJ Elliott Prior, and COLES POINT and TIDWELLS, VIRGINIA: Life and Times, Back Then and Now, authored by Jan Ohrmundt-Demyen.