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U.S. Naval Institute 2008 Editorial Board

Editorial Board

 

CMDCM (SW/AW) Jacqueline L. DiRosa, USN
DIRECTOR, CMC MANAGEMENT OFFICE

Command Master Chief Jacqueline DiRosa is a native of Mt. Olive, Illinois.  She entered the Navy in July 1981 and attended recruit training at RTC Orlando, Florida with follow-on training at Basic Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes, Illinois, earning her designation as a Hospital Corpsman.

Her first assignments included Naval Hospital, San Diego with a six-month support deployment to Antarctica with Naval Support Force Antarctica (NSFA) in September 1984, Naval Hospital Bremerton, Washington, and Naval School of Health Sciences, Oakland, California for Preventive Medicine Technician ""C"" School. 

Master Chief DiRosa reported for her first sea tour aboard USS ACADIA (AD 42) in September 1988 completing two Western Pacific deployments in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.  She served as the leading Preventive Medicine Technician and Medical Department Leading Chief Petty Officer.  Her follow-on shore assignment was to Naval Medical Center, San Diego in September 1991 where she was assigned as the Department Head, Operating Management Department.   Master Chief DiRosa returned to sea duty as the Medical Department Leading Chief Petty Officer aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in September 1995 reporting with the first permanent female compliment assigned to an aircraft carrier.  During this tour, she completed one Western Pacific deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch,  was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in May 1997 and was selected as the Navy League's ""Sea Service Woman of the Year"".  Her next assignment was to the Officer Indoctrination School (OIS), Newport, Rhode Island where she served as the Senior Enlisted Leader, Company Officer, Drill Officer, and Course Instructor.  This assignment was highlighted with her selection for Command Master Chief in May 1999.

Master Chief DiRosa served as the Command Master Chief for USS SUPPLY (AOE 6) in Earle, New Jersey from April 2000 to February 2001 completing a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment and scheduled decommissioning followed by assignment to the forward deployed, U.S. Seventh Fleet command ship, USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) in Yokosuka, Japan until March 2000.  She was selected and served as the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Force Master Chief from April 2002 to March 2006 during which she lead the successful rating merger between Hospital Corpsmen and Dental Technicians.  Her next selection was as the OPNAV CNO-Directed Command Master Chief and served briefly from April to June 2006 until her selection as US Fleet Forces, Fleet Master Chief serving from July 2006 to June 2007.  Of note, Master Chief DiRosa was the Navy's first enlisted woman selected for both Force and Fleet Master Chief and was recognized by the Alliance of National Defense with the ""Positive Voice Award"" in 2006 for her example of women in military service.  

 

Editorial Board 

LT James E. Dolbow, USCGR
GEO-POLITICAL ANALYST
USCG ATLANTIC AREA HEADQUARTERS

Jim Dolbow is a writer, Coast Guard Reserve Officer, and former defense staffer on Capitol Hill.  From February 2000 to January 2007, LT. Dolbow served as Legislative Director/Military Legislative Assistant for Congressman John Hostettler (IN-08).  In this capacity, he handled Congressman Hostettler's House Armed Services Committee portfolio.

Prior to joining Rep. Hostettler's staff in February 2000, Dolbow served as Legislative Director for the Conservative Action Team (CATs).  Between 1997 and 1999, Dolbow served two years as a legislative assistant for Rep. Jim Ryun (KS-02).  In 1994 and 1996, he worked on the electorally challenged congressional campaigns of former Vietnam POW, LTC Orson Swindle (USMC-Ret.) in Honolulu, HI. 

Dolbow received his commission in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in July 2002 after completing the Coast Guard's Reserve Officer Candidate Indoctrination (ROCI) School in New London, CT.  Upon commissioning, he reported to Coast Guard Group Hampton Roads in Portsmouth, VA for SAR Controller training.  Recalled to active duty on 10 March 2003 in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, Dolbow was ordered to report to Coast Guard Activities Baltimore, MD.  While on active duty, Dolbow served as a watch stander for the Joint Operations Command Center in Washington, D.C., coordinator for Round 2 of the port security grant applications, and harbor patrol team leader.  Released from active duty on 30 June 2003, Dolbow continued to drill in Baltimore until being transferred in September 2004 to the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area Headquarters in Portsmouth, VA.   In September 2005, he was recalled to active duty under Title 14 for post-Hurricane Katrina operations and served as a legislative affairs analyst on the staff of the Principal Federal Official, Admiral Thad W. Allen, USCG.

Mr. Dolbow holds a BS in Political Science from Marymount University and an MA in National Security Studies from the Naval War College.  He is presently pursuing an M.A. in Statecraft and World Politics from the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C.  Moreover, he is a graduate of the non-resident programs of both the Air Command and Staff College and the Naval Command and Staff College. He is a member of the U.S. Naval Institute, Navy League of the United States, Naval Historical Foundation, and the Reserve Officers Association.   His articles and letters-to-the editor on national defense and homeland security issues have appeared in Proceedings, The Washington Post, Washington Times, Sea Power, National Defense, Navy Times, Armed Forces Journal International, to name a few.

A native of Penns Grove, New Jersey, Jim is the son of CDR. Jake F. Dolbow III (USNR-Ret.) (gone but not forgotten) and Mary A. Dolbow.  Mr. Dolbow now resides in Alexandria, VA.

 

Editorial Board

Capt Brian Donlon, USMC
INFANTRY OFFICER
  
Captain Brian Donlon is a Marine Officer currently serving as an instructor at the Infantry Officer Course, The Basic School, Marine Corps Base Quantico.
 
Captain Donlon received his commission in May 2002. After graduating The Basic School (Echo Company 2002) and Infantry Officer Course (3-03) he reported to 2d Battalion, 6th Marines in June 2003. There he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander in Echo Company, deploying to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program from September 2003 to April 2004. Upon returning to the United States, Captain Donlon was assigned to Weapons Company where he served as the Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander from June 2004 to June 2006. During this time he deployed twice to Iraq, first in support of the Anti-Terrorism Battalion Baghdad Task Force (September 2004-March 2005) and then to conduct counterinsurgency operations in Fallujah, Al Anbar Province, Iraq (September 2005-April 2006). In June 2006, Captain Donlon was reassigned to The Basic School, Quantico where he served as the Infantry Platoon Commander, Combat Instructor Company, Instructor Battalion until September 2007 when he assumed his current billet.
 
Captain Donlon is a graduate of The Basic School Basic Officer Course, Infantry Officer Course and Joint Tactical Air Controller Primer Course.
 
Captain Donlon holds a BA in History and an MT in Secondary Social Studies from the University of Virginia. He is a member of the U.S. Naval Institute and Marine Corps Association. His writing has been featured in the Marine Corps Gazette, Outdoor Life magazine and on the Fox News website. 
 
Captain Donlon now resides in Alexandria, VA.
 

Editorial Board

CAPT Lisa M. Franchetti, USN
DEPUTY DIVISION CHIEF
JOINT STAFF, J7

Commander Franchetti is a native of Rochester, New York.  She was commissioned in 1985 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program at Northwestern University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.
 
Her first tour of duty was as Training/Special Programs Officer at Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region 13 in Great Lakes, IL.  In 1987 she was selected for lateral transfer to the Surface Warfare community and reported to Division Officer school in Newport, RI.

Her first ship was USS Shenandoah (AD 44), where she served as Auxiliaries Officer and First Division Officer, and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer during the ship's deployment to the Mediterranean.  In 1990 she reported to USS Monongahela (AO 178) as Navigator and later served as coordinator for the ship's jumboization overhaul.  Heading ashore, CDR Franchetti served as Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center Central Point, Oregon from 1991-1993.

She completed her Department Head tours in USS Moosbrugger (DD 980), as Operations Officer, and in Destroyer Squadron TWO as Combat Systems Officer.  She also served as the Destroyer Squadron Chief Staff Officer during UNITAS 37-96, a South American deployment.

Returning to shore duty, CDR Franchetti served as Aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.  She then headed back to sea, serving as Executive Officer of USS Stout (DDG 55) from 1999-2000.  Her follow-on shore assignment was as Protocol Officer for the Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Heading back to sea, she served as Assistant Surface Operations Officer on the George Washington Battle Group Staff, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch in 2002.  She assumed command of USS Ross (DDG 71) in September 2003, and deployed to the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea in support of the Global War on Terror.  USS Rosswon the Battle Efficiency ""E"" for Destroyer Squadron 28 in 2004. 

In July 2005 CDR Franchetti reported to the United States Naval Academy as Fourth Battalion Officer.

CDR Franchetti's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). 

She is a graduate of the Naval War College and holds a Master's degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. She and her husband, Jim Sievert, reside in Annapolis, MD with their daughter, Isabel.

 

Editorial Board

SgtMaj James R. Futrell
SERGEANT MAJOR, USMC

Sergeant Major Futrell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 16, 1979. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., in November 1979. He was promoted to Sergeant Major on April 1, 1998.

During his career he served in the following assignments:

November 1979 to January 1980: Infantry Rifleman, 3rd Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C. February 1980 to March 1981: Processor and Supply NCO, Sub Unit One Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, where he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. April 1981 to July 1983: Marine Security Guard, Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Base Norfolk, Virginia, where he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Virginia, he was a member of the Honor Guard deployed to the Caribbean aboard the USS Nashville. August 1983 to September 1983: Redeye/Stinger Gunner School, U.S. Army Air Defense School, Fort Bliss, Texas. October 1983 to December 1984: Section Leader, 2nd FAAD Battery, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. While deployed he participated in operations in the Persian Gulf with COMIDEASTFOR aboard the USS Whipple, USS Boone, USS Clark and USS LaSalle. December 1984 to June 1988: Recruiter/NCOIC, Recruiting Station Raleigh, N.C., Recruiting Sub-Station Burlington N.C., 6th Marine Corps District. During his tour he was awarded Station of the Year, the Centurion Award, runner up for Recruiter of the Year and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

June 1988 to June 1989: Platoon Sergeant/Platoon Commander, Bravo Battery, 1st LAAD Battalion, 1st Marine Air Wing, Okinawa, Japan. July 1989 to February 1993: Battery Gunny, Training Chief, Operations Chief, 2nd LAAD Battalion, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. While Stationed at Cherry Point, Staff Sergeant Futrell was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. August 1990 to April 1991: Gunnery Sergeant Futrell deployed with the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade to participate in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. March 1993 to September 1994: Stinger School Instructor/SNCOIC, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Bliss, Texas. October 1994-April 1997: Selected for First Sergeant and transferred to Delta Company, First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, Twenty-Nine Palms, Ca. May 1997 to July 1999: Selected to Sergeant Major and transferred to Recruiting Station Fort Lauderdale, Fl., 6th Marine Corps District. While stationed at RS Fort Lauderdale, the station was awarded Recruiting Station of the Year for 1997 and 1998 for the 6th Marine Corps District. August 1999 to June 2002: Sergeant Major for Inspector Instructor, 4th Maintenance Battalion, 4th FSSG, Charlotte, N.C. July 2002 to April 2004: Sergeant Major of 4th Marine Corps District, New Cumberland, Pa. April 2004 to May 2006: Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Quantico, VA. June 2006 to present:  Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico. VA.

Sergeant Major Futrell's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of fourth award, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

 

Editorial Board

LT E. Peter Giambastiani III, USNR
MILITARY LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
CONGRESSMAN JEFF MILLER, 1ST DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

LT Giambastiani is the chief advisor to Representative Miller on defense, foreign policy, intelligence and homeland security issues.  Rep. Miller serves on the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee.  The First District of Florida includes Eglin Air Force Base, Naval Air Stations Pensacola and Whiting Field, Air Force Special Operations Command, the Navy's Center for Information Dominance and is the future home of all Joint Strike Fighter initial flight training and the Army's 7th Special Forces Group.

Pete comes from a Navy family, graduated from Punahou High School in Honolulu and the U.S. Naval Academy.  After nearly six years on active duty as a surface warfare officer he transitioned into the Navy Reserve and drills at the Office of Naval Intelligence.  Prior to working for Congressman Miller, Pete served in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs House Liaison Office.

Pete's sea tours were in USS Carr (FFG 52) in Norfolk as the communications officer and in USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) in San Diego as the fire control officer and weapons officer.  He has deployed to the 6th, 7th and 5th Fleets and served temporarily at United Nation Command/U.S. Forces Korea for exercise Ulchi Focus Lens and on the Carrier Strike Group Seven Staff while embarked in USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

 

Editorial Board 

LT Elizabeth Griffiths, USN
Secretary of the Navy's Protocol Officer
 
LT Griffiths works as the Secretary of the Navy's Protocol Officer. She prepares events for the Secretary to include the Army-Navy football game, ship naming ceremonies, barge cruises, and joint events with other services. She also oversees the relationship between Navy Secretariat and external organizations including Naval Academy, Congress, and the White House. 
 
Elizabeth is the first in her family to join the Navy. She graduated from Eaglecrest High School in Colorado followed by the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000. After completing flight school in Corpus Christi, TX and Milton, FL she joined the HSL community. Elizabeth spent four years stationed in Jacksonville, FL as a member of the HSL-48 Vipers where she flew the SH-60B Seahawk and served as the Aviation Safety Officer.
 
LT Griffiths' sea tour was on the USS Thorn (DD 988) stationed out of Norfolk, VA. She conducted surveillance in the Mediterranean Sea and off the Horn of Africa analyzing real-time operational information for dissemination to participating tactical units. 
 
 

Editorial Board

LtCol Brian J. Hanley, USAF
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH, U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

A native of Northford, Connecticut, Lt Col Hanley currently serves as an Associate Professor of English at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado. 

Brian is the English Department's Deputy for Plans & Programs. In that capacity he oversees the USAFA's nationally ranked debate team as well as its Writing for Leaders course, which reaches hundreds of DOD employees each year. Brian directs the USAFA's capstone course in English, Advanced Speech & Composition.  He also serves as a Contributing Editor for War, Literature & the Arts: An International Journal of the Humanities.

LtCol Hanley's career includes a mix of operational and academic assignments.  His first assignment was with the 552d Airborne Warning & Control Wing, Tinker AFB, OK.  An assignment to Air Forces Iceland followed.  Brian next traveled to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he completed a Master of Arts in English under USAF sponsorship. 

He then joined the USAFA faculty, winning the Academy's Outstanding Educator in English Award in his first year of eligibility.  Brian next attended the University of Oxford (New College) under USAF sponsorship taking a Master of Letters (M.Litt.) in English.  He then returned to USAFA and was promoted to the academic rank of Associate Professor.  Brian got back into the operational world in 2001 as an Air Battle Manager assigned to the 116th Air Control Wing, Warner Robins AFB, GA.  Before assuming his present assignment, Brian completed a tour of duty as an instructor at the Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA.

LtCol Hanley's publications include Samuel Johnson as Book Reviewer (Univ. of Delaware Press, 2001), and several articles on literary as well as military subjects.  Recently, he has completed a book manuscript on strategy, and is currently working with Fred Kiley on a biography of Admiral James Stockdale. 

Lt Col Hanley's personal awards include the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (oak leaf cluster), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Academy's Outstanding Educator in English Award.

Brian is married to the former Terry M. Holcomb of Davenport, Iowa.  They are the parents of Bryce Hanley, who attends Corpus Christi School in Colorado Springs.

 

Editorial Board

CAPT James C. Howe, USCG
CHIEF, CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS

Captain Howe assumed his duties as Chief of Coast Guard Congressional Affairs in July 2005.  He oversees all Coast Guard activity related to Capitol Hill.

Jim is a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (BS in Government). He holds a Master of Arts in Government from Harvard University (extension school) and a Master of Strategic Studies (Marine Corps War College).

Captain Howe is a career Cutterman, having served eleven years at sea, most recently in command of the 270-foot cutter TAMPA.  Previous sea tours include: Executive Officer in USCGC NORTHLAND, Portsmouth, Virginia; Commanding Officer of USCGC METOMPKIN, Charleston, South Carolina; Executive Officer in USCGC PETREL, Key West, Florida; and Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC ACTIVE, New Castle, New Hampshire.

Prior to his assignment as Chief of Congressional Affairs, Captain Howe served in the Office of the Vice President as a Special Advisor for homeland security, focusing on border and transportation security issues.  Other shore assignments include Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Congressional Affairs; Liaison to the Naval Doctrine Command in Norfolk, Virginia; Public Affairs Officer for the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami, Florida; and Operations Center Controller, First Coast Guard District, Boston, Massachusetts.

His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (five), and twelve unit and team awards.  Other awards include: Harvard University's Derek Bok Prize for public service; the Thomas Jefferson, Alex Haley, and Commander Jim Simpson awards for excellence in media and public relations; and the Faculty Writing Award and designation as a Distinguished Graduate, Marine Corps War College.

 

Editorial Board 

MAJ Sharon Tosi Moore
MILITARY ANALYST
JOINT ADVANCED WARFIGHTING PROGRAM

Major Moore is a native of Little Falls, New Jersey.  She was commissioned in 1990 from the United States Military Academy, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Psychology.
 
After completing Airborne school, the Junior Officer Maintenance Course and  the Missile and Munitions Officer Basic Course, MAJ Moore was assigned to Baumholder, Germany in 1991. She functioned as the Control Officer and Executive Officer for the largest Ammunition Supply Point in Europe.

In 1993 she moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where she was assigned as the Training Officer for the 3/30th Field Artillery Battalion. A few months later she left active duty and transferred to the Reserves.

Her first reserve unit was the 4003rd Garrison Command in Oklahoma City and then Fort Chaffee, Arkansas where she served on a variety of staff positions and attended the Officer Advanced Course.

In 1995 she moved to the 75th Division (Exercise) at Fort Sill, where she served as Combat Service Support Observer/Controller.  In 1997, MAJ Moore moved to the 78th Battle Projection Group in Fort Dix, New Jersey, where she was assigned as a Senior Simulations Coach.  In 2003 she was mobilized at Fort Dix to function as the unit Operations Officer in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

In October 2003, MAJ Moore was selected to be on the Army Staff as the Executive Officer for the Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization (G-33) and the Director for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. While there she assigned, coordinated and reviewed all taskings from the Army and Joint Staffs and the Department of Defense leadership related to Army mobilization, readiness, current operations, special operations, military support to civil authorities and information operations.

In July 2005 MAJ Moore reported to the Joint Center for Operational Analysis, which is the Joint Forces Command lessons learned division. She serves as the Director's personal liaison and military analyst to the Joint Advanced Warfighting Program at the Intstitute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, VA. Since she has been there she has deployed to Iraq three times in support of the Global War on Terrorism where she has worked on various projects involving Iraqi economics, counter-IED technology and force management.

MAJ Moore's personal awards include the Joint Service Medal, GWOT Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (four awards), and Army Achievement Medal. 

MAJ Moore has written for several publications such as The American Thinker, Military History and the JCOA bulliten. She has co-authored studies on the Iraqi economy, Hurricane Katrina, strategic communications, tribal relations, Iraqi elections, Iraqi reconciliation, Iran, Sudan and Enabling Forces. She also co-edited a book of War College essays entitled "Fresh From the Fight," which is being published in July 2007.

MAJ Moore  holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Long Island University. She is currently a doctoral candidate in History at Leeds University. Her dissertation topic is Joint Army-Marine Operations in the Central Pacific during World War II.  She also received the General Lemuel C. Shepard, Jr. Memorial Dissertation Fellowship from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in 2006.   

She resides in Burke, VA with her four children: Edmund, Anastasia, Adam and Ethan.

 

Editorial Board 

Vincent W. Patton, III
MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD (RET)

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Vince Patton served 30 years of active duty in the Coast Guard rising to become the 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

As the service's top senior enlisted leader and ombudsman, he was the principal advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, his directorates, and the Secretaries of Transportation and Defense, with primary focus on quality of life issues, career development, work environment, and personnel matters affecting over 40,000 active duty, reserve enlisted, and civilian personnel servicewide. He routinely addressed these specific issues before appropriate Senate and House committees in Congress, and the Commander-in-Chief, along with his senior enlisted counterparts of the other four military services.

Vince holds a Doctor of Education degree from the American University, a Masters degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University, Chicago, IL; a Bachelor of Science degree in social work from Shaw College at Detroit, MI; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Pacific College, Angwin, CA — all earned while on active duty. After retirement, he earned his Master of Theology degree in applied religious studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA.

His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon, eight Meritorious Team awards and nine Coast Guard Good Conduct awards. He has also earned the Cutterman's insignia (sea duty recognition) and coveted "Parachutist Wings" specialty badge completing ten combat jumps during his military career.

Today, Vince is the director of community outreach for Military Advantage, also known as Military.com, the largest Website devoted to the military community covering benefits, information, and transition. In addition, Vince is cochair of the National Coast Guard Retiree Council. He holds board memberships with numerous nonprofit and corporate organizations, including National Defense Intelligence College, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, and the First Command Educational Foundation. As an ordained minister, he serves on the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Ministry team, and is a certified critical incident stress debriefing/grief counselor.

Vince has advised the USO participating in "Operation Handshake," visiting U. S. military personnel during the 2004 Thanksgiving holiday in Guantanamo Bay and in the 2003 and 2005 holiday season with U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf/Southwest Asia on Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Vince resides in Alexandria, VA, with his wife, Joyce Aivalotis, who is a U.S. Coast Guard officer. His daughter, Amberleigh, is an art student at Ohlone College, Fremont, CA, and his son Nick, is a U.S. Army veteran (82nd Airborne) and FEMA employee in Arlington, VA.

 

Editorial Board 

Col Floyd J. Usry, Jr., USMC
Military Assistant to ASN (RDA)
 
Colonel Usry is currently serving as the Military Assistant for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition).
 
Colonel Usry graduated from Appalachian State University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Technology. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
 
His military education includes The Basic School (1984), Naval Aviator flight training (Honors, 1986), Naval Gunfire Spotter Course (1987), Aviation Safety Officer's course (1989), Tactical Air Control Party (1990), Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School (Honors, 1991), Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI, 1993), Intermediate Systems Acquisition course (1998-1999), the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (1991) and Naval War College (2004). He is a graduate of the distinguished MIT Seminar XXI program on foreign policy and international affairs. Colonel Usry has earned five Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) as an Acquisition Professional Candidate, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Aviation Safety Officer, Forward Air Controller and AH-1 Pilot.
 
Colonel Usry's Operational Fleet Marine Force Assignments include: Director Safety, Standardization and NATOPS, Aviation Safety Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer, Logistics Officer, HMLA Detachment Officer-in-Charge, Forward Air Controller and Air Officer. Between 1986 and 1996, he served with HML/A-167, HML/A-269, HMM-264, HMM-365, HMH-362 and 2d Light Armored Infantry Battalion. He was the Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 in Twentynine Palms, California also responsible for operating the USMC's only Strategic Expeditionary Airfield (EAF).
 
His staff and instructor assignments include Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Instructor as the AH-1W Division Head and Offensive Air Specialist, MAWTS-1 (1996-1999). While at MAWTS-1 he was the architect and project officer for the first Urban Close Air Support Target Complex, (aka Yodaville). Following MAWTS-1, he was assigned as a Joint Aviation Acquisition Analyst, J-8, Joint Chiefs of Staff (1999-2001) responsible for analysis of future helicopter concepts, a rotary wing commonality assessment and a modeled analysis of attack helicopter combat performance. From 2004 to the present time, he has served in HQMC as the Chief of Staff on the USMC Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) Team; as the Director of the CMC Strategic Initiatives Group; and as the EA for DC PPO. During this time period, he participated in the CJCS Working Group to generate strategic options for Iraq and the CENTCOM region.
 
Colonel Usry's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat ""V"", and the Combat Action Ribbon. He and his wife, Jarrett, reside in Springfield, VA with their two children.
 

 

 

 



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