Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Biographies

Command Master Chief Anthony J. Mazzulo, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

Press Operations — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:49:00 GMT

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Master Chief Mazzulo joined the Navy on September 3rd, 1996. Master Chief Mazzulo’s sea duty tours include the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center (NOSWC) and Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego (SGOT-SD), deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southeast Asia in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as onboard USS Makin Island (LHD 6).

Dr. Joe Calantoni, Technical Director, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

Press Operations — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:10:13 GMT

Dr. Joe Calantoni is the Technical Director at the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command where he serves as the principal civilian manager and technical advisor to the Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) and Task Group 80.7 (CTG 80.7).

Commander Kristine Bench, Commanding Officer, Strike Group Oceanography Team - Norfolk

Press Operations — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:47:00 GMT

Jennifer D. Hailes, Deputy Technical Director, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

Press Operations — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:36:00 GMT

Mrs. Jennifer Hailes is the Deputy Technical Director for the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (COMNAVMETOCCOM)/Task Group 80.7 at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. She serves as the primary technical contact for the command, with responsibility and oversight for a fleet of six survey ships, approximately 2,500 civilian and military personnel and a budget of over $300 Million.

Command Master Chief Jessica N. Mihailin, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

Press Operations — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:34:00 GMT

Master Chief Jessica Mihailin was born in Queens, N.Y., and raised in New Fairfield, Conn. She enlisted in the United States Navy in March 1998 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. She completed AG-A1 School and reported to her first duty station onboard Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, in October 1998.

Commander Dominic DiMaggio, Commanding Officer, Joint Typhoon Warning Center

Press Operations — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:14:00 GMT

CDR Dom DiMaggio was born in New Jersey, but calls Arkansas home. He holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Science in meteorology and oceanography and a Doctor of Philosophy in physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Commander Matt Cushanick, Deputy Superintendent, U.S. Naval Observatory

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:57:00 GMT

Captain Hartwell F. “Rip” Coke Superintendent, U.S. Naval Observatory

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:17:00 GMT

Captain Coke is a 1995 graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences with a focus in Aquatic Resources.

Coke received his commission in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer in 2000 from the Navy’s Officer Candidate School. His first assignment was as the Assault Officer attached to PCU IWO JIMA (LHD-7) located in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Upon ship’s commissioning, he earned his surface warfare pin, steam Engineering Officer Of the Watch and Command Duty Officer qualifications. Prior to leaving this assignment, Coke was accepted into the Navy’s Information Warfare Community as a Meteorology and Oceanography (OCEANO) Officer.

In September 2002 he reported to Yokosuka, Japan as the Gunnery Officer onboard USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48). During this tour, VANDEGRIFT was deployed to the Middle East for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Coke served as a Visit, Boarding, Search, and Seizure officer and earned a Tactical Action Officer qualification.

In October 2003, Coke left Japan to attend Basic Oceanographic Accession Training. Coke then reported to Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center located in Monterey, CA. He served as the Expeditionary Warfare Division Officer leading focused support efforts for both Naval Special Warfare and United States Marine Corps units.

Coke departed Monterey in October 2005 to serve as staff OCEANO for COMCMDIV THREE ONE located in Bahrain. Coke returned to Monterey in March 2007 as a student at the Naval Postgraduate School. He graduated in September 2009 with a Master of Science degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography. He reported aboard Carrier Strike Group EIGHT embarked on USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69) as the Staff OCEANO and the strike group scheduling officer. The Group deployed in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom in January 2010. While deployed, Coke earned qualifications as Force Tactical Action Officer and Battle Watch Captain.

In February 2012, Coke reported to the Naval Personnel Command in Millington, TN to serve as the Junior Oceanography Assignments and Placement Officer. Upon completion of his detailing tour in February 2014, Coke reported to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned his Joint Professional Military Education and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

In April 2015, Coke took command of the Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center in Coronado, CA. After completing his command tour, he was assigned as deputy assistant chief of staff for Fleet Modernization and Facilities Management at Naval Information Forces, the Information Warfare TYCOM.

In May 2019, he transferred to US Fleet Forces Command and served as the Fleet Oceanographer. He assumed duty as the 58^th Superintendent, U.S. Naval Observatory on 17 December, 2021.

Lieutenant Commander John Bardenhagen Executive Officer, Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:11:00 GMT

Commander James A. Scianna Commanding Officer, Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:48:00 GMT

Commander James Scianna is a native of Connecticut. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and was commissioned in May 2004. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus in June 2009 and a dual Master’s Degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in December 2013.

Afloat, CDR Scianna served on USS John Paul Jones as the First Lieutenant and earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification during a 2005 Western Pacific deployment. He was also assigned to the aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan and USS George Washington, where he served as OA division officer for RIMPAC 2014 and Southern Seas 2015 and served as the Hull Swap Coordinator for the Navy’s three carrier swap initiative.

CDR Scianna was redesignated to Special Duty Officer (Oceanography) in December 2005, and reported to the Naval Maritime Forecast Center, Norfolk, VA where he served as Command Duty Officer, Ship Router, and Assistant Operations Officer. He has also served as the Operations Officer at the National/Naval Ice Center, Suitland, MD and Oceanographic Survey Ship and Littoral Battlespace Sensing Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Requirements Officer on the staff of the Oceanographer of the Navy. In December 2017, he reported to Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Sicily where he served as Executive Officer. Most recently he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J35, to serve as a writer for the Secretary of Defense Orders Book.

CDR Scianna assumed his current position as Commanding Officer, Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego in April 2022.

CDR Scianna’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with five awards, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two awards. CDR Scianna is married to his wife Janine and they have three children together (Tessa, Anthony, and Christian).

AGCM(IW/AW/SW) Vernon M. Diedrich III Command-Master-Chief, Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:37:00 GMT

Master Chief Diedrich a graduate of Fox Sr. High enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 7th, 1996, at MEPS St. Louis, MO. He completed his Recruit Training at RTC Great Lakes. After completion of Seaman Apprentichip training, he reported to the Pre-Commishing Unit USS BATAAN (LHD 5). Within his first tour, he was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class, earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, and was selected to convert to Aerographer’s Mate (AG) and attend AG-A1 school. In 1999, he reported to “AG-A1” school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. After graduating, he reported to Fleet Weather Center Aviation Forecast Component Diego Garcia and within his one year tour, completed all AG-C1 school requirements and was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class.

Following his tour in Diego Garcia, he attended “AG-C1” school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. After his graduation he was assigned to Naval Aviation Forecast Component (NAFC) Corpus Christi, Texas where he qualified as a Forecast Duty Officer (FDO). In 2003, during his tour at NAFC Corpus Christi, he was selected for First Class Petty Officer.

In 2004, following his tour in NAFC Corpus Christi, he reported to Center For Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATT Unit) Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. During this tour, he qualified as an “AG-C1” course instructor, earned his Master Training Specalist, and was selected as CNATT Unit Keesler’s Senior Sailor of the Year.

He was selected for Chief Petty Officer in September 2007, while attached to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and serving initially as a FDO, then became the Division Leading Chief Petty Officer in addition to earning his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist qualification.

In 2009, in efforts in training and instructing continued while assigned to the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center (NMOPDC) Gulfport. During this time, he developed the “AG-C1” pre-requisites that are still used today.

In 2012, his first experience in Hydrography began at the Fleet Survey Team (Fighten’ Crawdads) while completing numerous hydrographic surveys in support of safety of navigation. He earned his Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist and was promoted to Senior Chief in 2014.

In 2015, he was the enlisted Career Counselor for the AG community while at Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC). Between July 2015 and December 2017, he revitalized the Career Development Programs within the METOC community increasing Retention Excellence Award receipents each year.

In January 2018, he arrived at Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC) in Stennis Space Center, MS to begin his first tour as a Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for 65 enlisted perosnnel assigned to NOMWC. In May 2019, he was promoted to Master Chief.

In 2020, he transferred to Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego (SGOT-SD) as the SEL for 124 enlisted personnel supporting Navy, Joint, and Coalition Forces operating in the Third, Fifth, and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility.

Master Chief Diedrich is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 197 (Purple) and authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and numerous campaign ribbons and unit awards.

I am married to my wife Amber and we have large family, Keegan (17), Aubriegh (9), Savannah, (8), Evalynn (7), Vivian (6), and Elliot (1). Just recently adopted Aubriegh and Savannah this past December and in the process to adot Elliot by the end of the year.

My hobbies include sports (baseball, basketball, running), cooking, and reading. I’m also a life long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues.

AGCM(IW/EXW/AW/SW) Joshua C. Lothyan SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER, Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:26:00 GMT

Master Chief Joshua Lothyan was born on August 21st, 1984 in San Antonio, Texas and grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas. He enlisted in the United States Navy on 20 September 2007 and attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of Recruit Training, he reported to Aerographer's Mate AG 'A' School at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi in April 2008.

In August 2008, Lothyan reported to Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center (NOSWC) assigned Support Activity One in San Diego, California. There he deployed to South East Asia in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM from March to October 2010 earning his Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist (EXWS) qualification and advancing to Petty Officer Third and Second Class.

Upon graduating from Aerographer’s Mate 'C' School in September 2012, he reported to Fleet Weather Center San Diego (FWC-SD) Operations Department. During his time at FWC-SD, he supported various maritime operations across THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleets and aviation operations throughout North America and the Pacific Ocean. He advanced to the ranks of First Class Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer and earned his Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist (EIWS) qualification.

In November 2015, Lothyan reported to FWC-SD Strike Group Oceanography Team (SGOT) in San Diego, California as the OA Division Leading Chief Petty Officer for the USS MAKIN ISLAND and supporting PHIBRON-5 ARG. There he led his team on a successful FIFTH Fleet deployment providing decision capability for Commanders and operations across AFRICOM, EUCOM, and CENTCOM areas of responsibilities (AOR). He earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualifications. In October 2017, he reported to the command’s Readiness and Training Department serving as the Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. His team supported the initial training of all newly reporting Sailors and ensured the Fleet Readiness Assessments of all deployable Strike Group Oceanography Teams.

In December of 2018 he checked onboard at FWC-SD Operations Department as Division Leading Chief Petty Officer providing meteorological and oceanographic support to DoD assets across three Fleet AORs. He qualified as Assistant Command Duty Officer and Ship Routing Officer. In May of 2019 he was selected to the rank of Aerographer’s Mate Master Chief Petty Officer and assumed the duties of Operations Department Leading Chief Petty Officer where he was instrumental to the establishment of a ECH V command and a major command construction project.

As of June 2021, he is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader at NOSWC in San Diego, CA. Master Chief Lothyan’s personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, four Navy Achievement Medals, the Armed Forces Service Medal, and other various awards and citations. He is married to his loving wife Jonna Lothyan of San Diego, California and was blessed with their daughter Zoe Lothyan in 2019 and son Cillian Lothyan in 2020.

Lieutenant Commander Geoffry R. Eberle EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:20:00 GMT

Lieutenant Commander Geoffry Eberle is a native of Davenport, Iowa. He graduated in 2009 from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and commissioned through the Officer Candidate School in November of 2009. He graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2016 with a Master of Science in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography. He also holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from American Military University and graduate certificates in AntiSubmarine Warfare, Systems Engineering, and Space Systems Operations from Naval Postgraduate School.

At sea, he served as the Main Propulsion Division Officer and the First Lieutenant aboard USS Cape St. George (CG 71). As an oceanographer, he served as Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare Team Lead supporting Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) Twenty-One embarked aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) supporting OPERTION ENDURING FREEDOM, and DESRON Thirty. He also served as Meteorology and Oceanography Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Officer of the Deck underway, Tactical Action Officer, and Command Duty Officer for USS Wasp (LHD 1) in support of two homeport shifts and five Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) patrols.

His shore tours include service as Flag Aide for the Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy (OPNAV N2/N6E), Fleet Operations Department Head and Command Duty Officer, Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare Center Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, and Training and Readiness Department Head, Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, Virginia. LCDR Eberle reported as the Executive Officer, Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center, San Diego, California in April 2022. He is also dual hatted as the Force Oceanography for Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.

LCDR Eberle is a qualified Surface Warfare Officer and Information Warfare Officer. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit, campaign and service awards which are a reflection of the men and women with whom he served.

Commander Mark Hebert Commanding Officer, Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:15:00 GMT

Commander Mark Hebert was born in Cumana, Venezuela. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in Oceanography (Honors w/ Merit). He holds master’s degrees in oceanography and meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and hydrography from the University of Southern Mississippi, in Stennis Space Center, MS.

At sea, CDR Hebert served aboard USS CARNEY (DDG-64) home-ported in Jacksonville, FL as the ship’s 1st Lieutenant. He then reported to USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan as the one of the ship’s main propulsion division officers. As an 1800, he served aboard USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) as the ship’s OA Division Officer, officer of the deck, tactical action officer, engineering officer of the watch (Steam) and debarkation officer during a successful 5th fleet deployment.

Ashore, he served as training department and hydrographer in charge at Fleet Survey Team, Stennis Space Center, MS; operations officer at Fleet Weather Center San Diego, CA; Strike Group Ocean Team operations department head at Fleet Weather Center San Diego, CA; global force management and Maritime Operations Center operations officer at Commander Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, MS; NAVEUR/NAVAF/6TH Fleet Oceanographer at Naples, IT.

He is currently serving as Commanding Officer, Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center – San Diego, CA. He is married to the former Christina Castaneda of Pasadena, CA. They have two children, Mark Antonio (13) and Chloe Simone (12). His personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Commander Matthew N. Watts Commanding Officer, Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:08:00 GMT

Commander Watts enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of Delaware in 1998. After completing Fire Controlman ‘A’ School in Great Lakes, IL, he graduated the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School in 2000. Watts earned a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004. Following graduation, he earned a Master of Science in Oceanographic Engineering jointly from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in 2006.

CDR Watts’ first operational assignment was as Ordnance and Gunnery Division Officer in USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG-81) homeported in Norfolk, VA from 2007-2009. He deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and was designated as a Surface Warfare Officer.

CDR Watts laterally transferred to the Naval Oceanography community in 2009, where his first Oceanography assignment was in Naval Maritime Forecast Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Pearl Harbor, HI. He served as Command Duty Officer and Maritime Operations Department Head until 2012. There, he earned qualifications as Forecast Duty officer, Ship Routing Officer, and was designated as an Information Warfare Officer.

CDR Watts spent the next four years in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as Operations Department Head in Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Center from 2012-2014 managing multiple deployable teams providing direct environmental support to ASW Commanders. He then served as Staff Oceanographer in Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 and Task Force 70 (CTF-70) from 2014-2016. He completed several patrols in the Western Pacific while embarked in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76), where he qualified Battle Watch Captain and Force Tactical Action Officer.

Additional assignments include Executive Officer in Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center, Coronado, CA, and staff oceanographer in Naval Special Warfare Command from 2016-2018. CDR Watts holds the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Services Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.

CDR Watts married his high school sweetheart, the former Dawn Talley from Dover, DE. They have two children, Jacob and Lila.

AGCM (IW/EXW) Edward A. Vargas Senior Enlisted Leader, Naval Oceanography Operations Center

Press Operations — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:58:00 GMT

Master Chief Vargas hails from Crane, Texas and is a 1997 graduate of Crane High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1998 and reported for training at Great Lakes, IL where he completed Recruit and Seaman Apprenticeship training. He then reported to the USS Nimitz (CVN-69) where he was assigned to the deck dept and later approved for cross rate to Aerographer’s Mate (AG). In Jan 2000, he reported to “AG-A1” school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS.

Upon graduation, he served at the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Detachment in Lemoore, CA until June 2003. Following his tour, he attended “AG-C1” school at Keesler AFB and was later assigned to the Mobile Environmental Team San Diego, CA in 2004. During his time onboard he was selected to support Naval Special Warfare Group One in Coronado, Ca. where he provided enviromental support to the NSW Mission Support Center and did multiple deployments with Seal Team Seven. He then promoted to Petty Officer First Class and became a Plankowner of the Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Center (NOSWC) San Diego.

In 2008, he reported to the Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Detachment Norfolk, VA where he was selected to Chief Petty Officer. He then served as LCPO for Naval Oceanography Anti-Submarine Warfare Detachment Kanehoe Bay in 2011 and NOSWC San Diego in 2014.

In 2017, he was assigned to the Maritime Operation Center under Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) and was later selected for Senior Chief
Petty Officer in 2018. In February 2020, he arrived at Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC) in Stennis Space Center, MS to begin his first tour as a Senior Enlisted Leader.

Senior Chief Vargas is a graduated of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 207) and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course (Class 20110)

He is authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and numerous campaign ribbons.

Commander Christopher Tuggle Commanding Officer Naval Oceanography Anti-submarine Warfare Center

Press Operations — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:24:00 GMT

Commander Christopher K. Tuggle graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology in December 2003. He earned his commission through Officer Candidate School graduating in April 2004 as a direct accession in to the Navy Meteorology and Oceanography community.

He holds master’s degrees in meteorology and physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School and in national security studies from the Naval War College. He is a joint qualified officer.

At sea, he served aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) as the meteorologist and oceanographer where he earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification and served as the Fleet Oceanographer for Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet permanently embarked aboard USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19).

Ashore, he served as a military hydrographer at Fleet Survey Team ONE, Technical Special Reconnaissance Officer at Naval Special Warfare Support Activity ONE, Senior Meteorology and Oceanography Officer at United States Africa Command, and Operations Officer for the shore and afloat missions at Fleet Weather Center Norfolk.

CDR Tuggle assumed command of Naval Oceanography Anti-submarine Warfare Center Yokosuka, Japan in August 2021. Personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various personal, unit and campaign awards.

Lieutenant Commander Dylan H. Richmond Executive Officer, Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare Center

Press Operations — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:21:00 GMT

Lieutenant Commander Richmond is a native of San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 2007 and commissioned from Officer Candidate School Officer Training Command, Newport, RI, in 2008. His assignments in the Surface Warfare Community included division officer tours onboard the USS McCampbell (DDG 85), where he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and Engineer Officer of the Watch. He served as Navigator onboard the USS Vicksburg (CG 69). In his shore assignment, he served as an Assistant Officer-in-Charge at Naval Special Warfare Group Two Training Detachment in charge of training all East coast SEAL Teams at Virginia Beach, VA until his lateral transfer into the Information Warfare Community.

As a Cryptologic Warfare Officer, LCDR Richmond was initially assigned to Navy Information Operations Command, Texas. His assignments included: Operations Officer for NSA/CSS Texas Combatting Proliferation branch; Military Deputy Chief for Operational Readiness and Certification for NSA/CSS Computer Network Operations, where he qualified as Senior Watch Officer. He also served as the Legal Officer for NIOC Texas.

After selection into Fleet Scholar Education Program, LCDR Richmond attended Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Master of Science in Systems Informatics.

In his most recent assignment, he served as an Operations Department Head for Direct Support Subsurface at NIOC HI where he oversaw the training, qualification, and deployment of over 140 personnel.

His personal decorations include a Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Crews with whom he has served have earned two “Battle E” awards for operational excellence and one Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is married to Leah Richmond and has three children: Wesley, Claire, and Laurel.

AGCM (IW/AW/SW) Joel Dan “JD” Seaney Command-Master-Chief, National Ice Center

Press Operations — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:18:00 GMT

Master Chief Aerographer’s Mate Joel Seaney, a native of Valentine, Texas, joined the Navy on April 6^th, 1999. Following basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he reported to Aerographer’s Mate (AG-A1) School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Captain Kim Freitas Executive Officer, Naval Oceanographic Office

Press Operations — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:15:00 GMT

Capt. Kim Freitas was born and raised in Vienna, Va., and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in May 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She earned a Master of Science degree in meteorology and physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. She also attended the Joint Forces Staff College to complete her track as a Joint Qualified Officer.

Upon commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer in 2000, she reported to USS Monterey (CG 61) as the first division officer / first lieutenant, training officer, and assistant operations officer. During this time, she completed participation in Operation Noble Eagle in response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as deployments to South America in support of UNITAS and to U.S. Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following her qualification as a surface warfare officer, Freitas transferred into the naval oceanography community in 2002.

Her shore duty assignments include serving as Optimum Track Ship Routing duty officer and command duty officer, Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Command in Yokosuka, Japan, from 2003-2004; flag aide to the Oceanographer of the Navy in Washington, D.C., from 2004-2005; shift director in the Situation Centre at Joint Force Command in Brunssum, Netherlands, from 2008-2010; and coordination officer and naval support officer for the NATO Integrated Meteorology and Oceanography Coordination Centre at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe, in Casteau, Belgium, from 2010-2012. During her time at JFC Brunssum, she deployed to Kabul in support of International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan.

From 2015-2017, she served as the flag oceanographer for Carrier Strike Group Eight, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), where she deployed in support of

Operation Inherent Resolve. She then reported as Seventh Fleet oceanographer embarked on USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), from 2017-2020, participating in numerous exercises and engagements in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command tasking.

From 2012 to 2014, Freitas participated in the Navy’s Career Intermission Program and lived in Lisbon, Portugal, where her husband served in the Portuguese Navy.

Freitas took command of Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego in 2020, where she served for two years, before reporting as executive officer of the Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis Space Center, Miss., in May 2022.

Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.