If your actions inspire others to:

dream more,
learn more,
do more and
become more,

you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams

Commander Sears is a native of Lexington, KY and a 1989 graduate of the University of Kentucky receiving a B.A. in Political Science. He subsequently graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned his Masters of Science in Computer Science in 2004.

Originally serving as a Cryptologic Collection Technician Collection (CTR), he completed initial training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes and Cryptologic Collection “A” School, Fort Devens, MA in 1991. He served his initial assignment at Naval Security Group Activity Misawa, Japan. In 1994, he reported to the USS GETTYSBURG (CG-64) as cryptologic analyst conducting operations in the Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea and Caribbean Sea.

In July 1996, Commander Sears commissioned as a Special Duty Officer (Cryptology), now Information Warfare Officer. He was designated a Joint Qualified Officer after his joint tour at U.S. Cyber Command in 2013.

Assignments have included: National Security Agency (NSA), Information Assurance (IA) Directorate as the Navy Advocate for Information Assurance; Pre-commissioning Detachment ROOSEVELT as the detachment Officer in Charge; USS ROOSEVELT (DDG-80) as the Signals Information Warfare Officer supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and maritime interception operations; Navy Information Operations Command Suitland as the Advanced Projects & Demonstrations Deputy Department Head where he also earned his Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification; Commander, SEVENTH Fleet as the Cryptologic Resource Coordinator and Collection Manager; U.S. Cyber Command as an intelligence operations planner and Chief, Combat Targeting; and Navy Information Operations Command Maryland where he served as the N3/CTF 1060 Operations Officer directing cryptologic and cyber operations supporting fleet commanders worldwide.

Commander Sears’ awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (4), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, South West Asia Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marksman Pistol (expert), and various unit and service awards.

“There is a sharp distinction between an order and a command, although both are used somewhat indiscriminately in referring to either. An order leaves the manner of execution in general up to the recipient of the order. An order does not always specify just when it shall be executed, but frequently fixes a certain time by which it must be executed. A command leaves nothing to the discretion of the recipient. It usually is peremptory, arbitrary, and implies execution at the time of its receipt unless otherwise specified.”

Manual of Orders and Commands
1945

Initiated by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, this change is a result of Sailor feedback received at all hands calls and is part of Navy’s efforts to further empower command triads.

This is VERY empowering.  They should let CMCs decide what belt buckles you can wear and let the XO decide on the color of your socks.

This is empowering the triad???  I don’t get it.

Commander Mike Elliot assumed command of U.S. Navy Information Operations Command Yokosuka, Japan on Friday, 19 July 2013.  He relieved Commander Mike Douglas as Commanding Officer.  You can follow the command on FACEBOOK HERE.

Recently, Commander Elliot also assumed command of U.S. NIOC Misawa from Captain Sean P. Kelley as the command begins the decommissioning process. Captain Justin F. Kershaw presided over the ceremony.

BZ on a great first year and best of luck in making this second year even better.

Commander Joe Sears relieved Commander Pat Count as Commanding Officer, NIOC Pensacola today.  CDR Pat Count’s follow-on assignment is as a student at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base.

In 2006, LCDR Cesar G. Rios Jr., helped evacuate thousands of American citizens from Beirut during the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Bahrain held a change of command ceremony on Monday, July 7 at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain Chapel.

Vice Admiral Jan E. Tighe, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F), presided over the ceremony in which Commander Cesar G. Rios relieved Commander Julia L. Slattery as commanding officer of NIOC Bahrain.

Julia has transferred to the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces.  She is a student at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

BZ to both of these fine officers.  Commander Slattery was recently selected for promotion to Captain.