My career as an officer in the U.S. Navy began nearly three decades ago.  I am currently an active duty Captain, serving as an Associate Professor of History at the Naval Academy where I teach courses in Airpower, Naval, and American history. Before transitioning to classroom, I spent nearly two decades as a Navy pilot, mainly in SH-60B & MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. Earning my commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1997, I have deployed on frigates, cruisers, and aircraft carriers. I have served as a weapons and tactics instructor, squadron maintenance officer, and an operational test director. Additionally, I have completed tours of duty in engineering and acquisitions at the Naval Air Systems Command and am a graduate of the Navy's Aviation Safety Officer and Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses. I continue to fly civil aircraft as a flight instructor and coach for the Naval Academy's midshipmen flight programs, having accumulated over 2600 flight hours.