Cmdr. Mark Gillaspie
Cmdr. Mark Gillaspie was raised in Dakota City, Neb., and enlisted in the Navy in 1989. He received his commission through the Enlisted Commissioning Program and graduated from Auburn University in August 2000. Prior to commissioning, he served 11 years as an Aviation Structural Mechanic with sea tours while assigned to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 and the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86 with deployments aboard the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and USS America (CV 66).
His division officer tours include Main Propulsion Assistant aboard the guided-missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and Training Officer aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). Gillaspie completed his department head tours as Chief Engineer for MCM Crew Constant and as Maintenance and Materiel Officer, and Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) One with deployments to U.S. 5th Fleet aboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Dextrous (MCM 13) and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Additionally, he served as the Executive Officer aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).
Gillaspie's tours ashore include the Naval Postgraduate School, where he studied National Security Affairs; Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific as N31 Current Operations/N40 Surface Warfare Enterprise; and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He also served as the Operations Officer for Sea Combat Division, Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center as well as the Senior Assessor for Engineering Assessments Pacific. His most recent tour was as the Executive Officer for Maritime Expeditionary Squadron (MSRON) Three.
Gillaspie's awards include a Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and service awards.