Commissioned Officer
Washington, Dc, Us
After completing training in 1987, I served in various positions, including main propulsion assistant (MPA) and navigator, aboard San Diego-based Spruance-class destroyer USS Elliot (DD-967), commanded by Tom Mooney and Tim LaFleur, from 1988-1990, where I earned my surface warfare officer (SWO) qualification. While I was navigator, Elliot deployed to the Western Pacific/Indian Ocean with the Carl Vinson (CVN-70) aircraft carrier battlegroup in 1990. Highlights of our deployment included the rescue of 35 Vietnamese refugees adrift on a disabled boat in the South China Sea. After that deployment, from 1990-1992, I served as the flag lieutenant and personal aide for two admirals, Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. and Philip J. Coady, who commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5. During my time at Group 5, I deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I learned a lot about myself and leadership from each of my commanding officers, whom I admire greatly, as well as the officers, chief petty officers, and sailors with whom I served.
