Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis
Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (February 2008 - June 2011) |
Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis is the third commander of Naval Surface Forces and the 15th commander of the Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force. He is responsible for manning, equipping, training and maintaining more than 160 surface force ships based around the world. He is assisted in that task by his staff and more than 50 major commands and support units of the force.
A native of Chicago, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1976 where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following commissioning, he attended the Surface Warfare Basic School in Newport, R.I., and was awarded the Arleigh Burke Award.
Curtis served in a variety of sea and shore assignments. At sea, his assignments include USS Moinester (FF-1097), USS Thorn (DD-988), USS Dahlgren (DDG-43) and Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2/George Washington Battle Group. He also served as executive officer, USS Scott (DD-995), chief of staff to Commander, 2nd Fleet/Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic/Task Force 120, and Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. His command tours include USS Wainwright (CG 28), USS Donald B. Beary (FFT 1085), Destroyer Squadron 14, Naval Surface Group 2 and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11/Nimitz Strike Group.
His shore assignments include the U.S. Naval Academy as a brigade officer; the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the senior year group detailer; the Chief of Naval Operations Aegis/DDG-51 Program Office; senior military assistant in the Office of Naval Warfare; executive assistant and Naval aide to the 71st and 72nd Secretaries of the Navy; and Navy Europe Programs, Strategy and Policy, and director, Transformation Activities for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe – 6th Fleet. His most recent assignment was as the 51st commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic and deputy commander, Naval Surface Forces where he served as the chief readiness officer for the Surface Warfare Enterprise.
Curtis’ personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and other awards.
He holds a Master of Science degree in administration from Central Michigan University and is a graduate of the National Defense University and the NATO Defense College Senior Course.
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Rushmore Conducts Change of CommandCmdr. William R. Grotewold relieved Cmdr. Calvin D. Slocumb as commanding officer of the San Diego-based Whidbey Island-Class dock landing ship, USS Rushmore (LSD 47). UFC Champion Visits USS SampsonUSS Sampson (DDG 102) hosted a ship’s tour for Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell Jan. 10, showing the Mixed Martial Arts athlete how the Navy fights. SURFOR Holds First Ombudsman Assembly for 2009Naval Surface Forces (SURFOR) held its first Ombudsman Assembly for 2009 Jan. 14 at Murphy Canyon Chapel, where approximately 50 ombudsmen and command leaders joined to discuss best practices to provide support to Sailors and their families. SURFOR Debuts SWO e-Mentor ProgramThose who have found success in their careers did not do it alone. Along the way they found someone who they respected and who had a positive impact on their personal and professional life. Bunker HillUSS Bunker Hill (CG 52) completed a 12-month modernization period Feb. 11, during which the Aegis-class cruiser received extensive hull, mechanical, electrical, habitability, combat systems, and weapons upgrades. ESG3 Commander Visits USS RushmoreRear Adm. Kendall Card, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visited USS Rushmore on Feb. 10, during the ship’s Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV). NSF09-028.aspxNaval Surface Forces (SURFOR) Women’s History Committee honored twelve women veterans during a Women’s History Month celebration March 31, 2009 at SURFOR headquarters. Rushmore Celebrates Women’s History MonthUSS Rushmore held a ceremony MAR 27 to celebrate 2009 Women’s History Month, the theme was “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.” Marine Biology Professor, Bridget Tiffany was chosen to be the guest speaker for the event due to her achievements. Cape St. George Donates to Humanitarian MissionUSS Cape St. George (CG 71) completed a drive to collect more than 30 soccer balls April 2 to help support Pacific Partnership 2009, a humanitarian civic assistance mission scheduled to deploy on board USS Dubuque (LPD 8). SURFOR Staff Celebrates CPO 116th BirthdayNaval Surface Forces (SURFOR) Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and special guests gathered in the CPO mess at the command headquarters April 1 to celebrate 116 years of “Chiefly” accomplishments. SURFOR Answers SAR Readiness ChallengesReadiness challenges due to sourcing Search and Rescue swimmers for surface ships have been solved by a SURFOR Barrier Removal Team led by the Surface Warfare Enterprise’s Personnel Readiness Team and the Cruiser Squadron. SWE PRT, FFGRON Lead Review of PSD Afloat ServicesImproving the Navy’s Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) Afloat services to the fleet was Surface Forces’ (SURFOR) Surface Warfare Enterprise (SWE) and the Guided Missile Frigate Class Squadron’s (FFGRON) focus recently. Pioneer Rescues Three at SeaINGLESIDE, Texas – USS Pioneer (MCM 9), an Avenger-Class mine countermeasures ship, rescued three fishermen 35 miles off the coast of Mexico April 25, 2009. Decatur Holds Change of CommandCmdr. Christopher J. Sweeney relieved CDR Brian K. Shipman as commanding officer of the San Diego-based Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer, USS Decatur (DDG 73), in an official change of command ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego May 1, 2009. SURFOR Visits USOVice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visited the downtown United Service Organization (USO), April 28, to tour their facilities and talk with the staff SURFOR Speaks at ANSO LuncheonSAN DIEGO – Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, attended an Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) luncheon on April 30 SURFOR Hosts SWFOTSNaval Surface Forces hosted the annual Surface Warfare Officer Flag Officers Training Symposium August 5-7 at Naval Air Station North Island. Surface Line Week 2009 ConcludesSurface Line Week 2009, a competition between Surface Forces Sailors in a variety of seamanship and sporting events, concluded with an awards ceremony. Post 9-11 GI BillThe Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. USS Cape St. George Changes Command at SeaUSS Cape St. George (CG 71) held a change of command ceremony at sea on Sept. 27. Capt. Patrick C. Rabun turned over command of the guided missile cruiser to Capt. William D. Byrne, Jr. “Green Ship” to be CommissionedUSS Makin Island (LHD 8) will be formally commissioned in a ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Oct. 24, 2009. SURFOR Honors SWOS GraduatesCommander, Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis hosted a graduation ceremony in honor of 18 newly-commissioned Ensigns of the Surface Warfare Officer Introduction Class 09005 Oct. 23. MCPON Visits with Surface/Air CMCsMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West met with fleet, force, and command master chief petty officers at Naval Air Station North Island Oct. 22 in conjunction with the Command Caster Chief/Senior Enlisted Leader Symposium. SURFOR Member Receives Lasswell AwardNaval Surface Forces’ Rich Caccese was awarded the A. Bryan Lasswell In-Service Engineering Award for Fleet Support by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) during a banquet at the Bahia Resort Oct. 28. Surface Commanders Meet to Improve Warfighting ReadinessVice Adm. D.C. Curtis Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, hosted the 2009 Commanders Conference at Admiral Baker Club House in San Diego, to discuss Surface Navy readiness June 30-July 1. The conference’s theme was “What it means to be a SWO”. NSF09-058.aspxUSS Jarrett (FFG 33) proudly hosted the Destroyer Squadron One (DESRON ONE) Bone Marrow Drive on May 6 to assist in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) USS Wayne E. Meyer Arrives in San DiegoUSS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, arrived at its new homeport in San Diego Dec. 4, where the ship will be stationed after transiting from the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine. SURFPAC's Top Fleet, Shore Sailors AnnouncedCommander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) announced the 2008 SURFPAC Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) at a banquet at the Hotel Del Coronado Feb. 26. The banquet was sponsored by the Surface Navy Association. Makin Island Delivered to NavySailors attached to Pre-Commissioning Unit Makin Island (LHD 8) marched aboard their ship April 16 in a historic delivery ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB), Gulf Coast Cleveland Hosts Sea CadetsAmphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) embarked ten Naval Sea Cadet and their chaperones during a four day at-sea period April 13-17 Armed Services YMCA Working for YouVice Adm. D. C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, toured the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) facilities on April 30 Pinckney Launches Block 4 TomahawkUSS Pinckney (DDG 91) successfully launched the latest version of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM), the Block 4-E, on Thursday, April 1, 2009 Warrior Rescue at SeaUSS Warrior (MCM 10), with the assistance of USS Chief (MCM 14) and the Mexican Navy, rescued two fishermen 36 miles off the coast of Mexico April 5 VIETNAM POW’s VISIT PCU STOCKDALEPrecommissioning unit (PCU) Stockdale (DDG 106) welcomed four former Vietnam prisoners-of-war (POW) aboard the ship during a port visit in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 13-14 Jarrett Sailors Revive TraditionThe tradition of “Tacking on the Crow” was brought back as it was meant to be, as senior Sailors aboard USS Jarrett (FFG 33) tacked rank patches on the coveralls of newly advanced Sailors during a pre-frocking ceremony, May 28. From Island Boy to AdmiralNaval Surface Forces’ (SURFOR) Chief of Staff, Captain Peter A. Gumataotao, was recently selected for the rank of rear admiral lower half, making him the first Guamanian U.S. Navy officer to attain flag rank Rentz Sailor Dies in UAEA Sailor assigned to USS Rentz (FFG 46) sustained fatal injuries due to electric shock while conducting repairs in an auxiliary machinery space Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces and staff members visit the Center for Security Forces100506-N-2259P-007 SAN DIEGO (May 6, 2010) - Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces and staff members visit the Center for Security Forces-visit, board, search, and seizure School on the San Diego Waterfront. Curtis and staff members were able to talk with Sailor and see firsthand how real world scenarios are incorporated into the classroom and practical training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elena Pence/RELEASED) SURFPAC to Welcome Midshipmen for Summer TrainingNaval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) will welcome the first of nearly 1,000 Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Midshipmen next week, as they converge on the San Diego waterfront for summer training. Midshipmen Practice Proper Team Hose Handling TechniquesMidshipmen practice proper team hose handling techniques at the Fire Fighting Trainer at Naval Station San Diego. Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy conduct an 8-week series of weeklong training exercises in surface warfare activities. SURFPAC Visits WaterfrontVice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) speaks to San Diego waterfront commanding officers about the latest training and readiness initiatives. These regular engagements are an important tool to ensure that SURFPAC continues to meet waterfront needs. Keel To Be Laid for Future USS Michael MurphyWASHINGTON - Symbolically recognizing the beginning of ship construction, the Navy will authenticate the keel for future USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) June 18 at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine. ACU-1 Deploys with PeleliuAssault Craft Unit ONE (ACU-1) said farewell to Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1630, 1633, 1635, and 1665 as they left San Diego May 22 for a scheduled seven-month Western Pacific deployment onboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5). SURFPAC Welcomes Midshipmen for Summer TrainingOver eight, one-week long training blocks, Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Midshipmen will experience a wide range of Surface Warfare activities, including demonstrations, ship and shore command tours, and an underway embark. Members of the SURFPAC staff, along with San Diego waterfront leadership, have planned a number of activities designed to introduce Midshipmen to the Surface Navy. Admirals Discuss Latest Surface Force InitiativesSAN DIEGO - Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC), discusses individual augmentee deployments while on a tour of headquarters with Rear Adm. Shinichi Tokumaru, Commander, Japan Training Squadron. The two admirals held an office call to discuss the latest Surface Force initiatives and upcoming combined training opportunities. NSC Offers Safety Tips for Fourth of JulyNORFOLK, Va. - With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, risk management professionals at Naval Safety Center (NSC) are reinforcing safety advice and risk management principles. USS Midway Museum Hosts Largest All-Military Naturalization CeremonySAN DIEGO - Service members recite the oath of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum. Three hundred service members from 51 countries became U.S. citizens during the ceremony sponsored by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. RIMPAC 2010 Surface EngagementPACIFIC OCEAN (July 10, 2010) Royal Australian Navy frigate Warramunga (FFH-152) engages Ex-USS New Orleans (LPH-11) with her 5-inch gun during a surface engagement, subsequently sending her below the surface of the Pacific Ocean at 1809 local time. Ex-USS New Orleans served in the U.S. Navy between 1968 and 1997. The ship was used for high end multi-national target practice during Exercise RIMPAC 2010, being fired upon by Harpoon missiles, laser guided bombs and a barrage of naval gun fire. SURFPAC Waterfront EngagementsSAN DIEGO - Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) speaks to San Diego waterfront commanding officers about the latest training and readiness initiatives. These regular engagements are an important tool to ensure that SURFPAC continues to meet waterfront needs. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel J. Taylor/RELEASED) Ribbon Cutting Officially Opening Surface Warrior ParkVice Admiral D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, joins base officials to cut the ribbon officially opening Surface Warrior Park on Naval Base San Diego. The park, which consists of 2 baseball fields, is a environmentally friendly design that utilizes synthetic grass to save water and minimize maintenance costs. DOD Releases Names of Missing SailorsThe Department of Defense announced today that Petty Officer Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, Colo., died from wounds sustained from an incident that occurred July 23, 2010 in Logar Province, Afghanistan. SURFPAC EDO Wins Community Diversity AwardLt. Moneé Freas receives the Naval Sea Systems Command Community Diversity Award from Rear Admiral Richard D. Berkey, Fleet Maintenance Officer, U.S. Pacific Fleet, at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, Naval Base San Diego. The award was presented in recognition of Freas’ contributions to the Diversity Working Group and her role in the creation of the Network of Engineering Duty Women, an organization focused on inspiring young women to be interested in science, technology, engineering and math. USS Cape St. George (CG 71) Standing WatchPACIFIC OCEAN - Senior Chief Fire Controlman Zack C. Hallman stands watch during a test of the Aegis weapons system aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Arif Patani/Released) Midshipmen Ride LCU’s to ShoreSan Diego – Over one-hundred Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen kicked off the final week of their summer training program by riding the waves with the Coronado-based Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 Monday, August 2. USS Curtis Wilbur Cuts Through Rough Pacific SeasPACIFIC OCEAN - The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG54) transits through rough seas in the Pacific Ocean. Curtis Wilbur is part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is underway with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group helping ensure security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication specialists 3rd Class Adam K. Thomas (Released) Surface Line Week 2010SAN DIEGO— Surface Line Week (SLW), a ten day contest sponsored by Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet will begin Aug. 12 and run through Aug 20. The annual competition is a marquee event on the San Diego waterfront and features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of seamanship and sporting events. Surface Line Week 2010 Underway in San DiegoSan Diego – San Diego’s 29th annual Surface Line Week (SLW) continued today with the commencement of volleyball, football, soccer, softball, racquetball, and basketball tournaments; the inaugural swimming competition; and the visual communications, lathe, and welding contests. U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Perform at Navy WeekBoise, ID - The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, perform at the Western Idaho Fair during Boise Navy Week, one of 20 Navy Weeks planned across American for 2010. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a signigicant navy presence. (U.S. Navy phot by Senior Chief Mass Communication Sepcialist Gary Ward/Rreleased) Top Navy Officer Visits San DiegoSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) was the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of San Diego, the West Coast Surface Navy Association (SNA) Symposium and conducted an all-hands call with Sailors in San Diego Aug. 26. SURFPAC Commands and Local School District Partner in EducationSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) joined local San Ysidro School District to create the first type commander and school district partnership in the history of Partners in Education (PIE), during a kick-off ceremony held at SURFPAC headquarters Aug. 30. Navy, Marine Corps Team Moves to Southern PakistanISLAMABAD, Pakistan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team, partnering with the Pakistani government, is moving from Ghazi to a southern location at Pano Aqil Air Base, near Sukkur, Pakistan, to support relief operations as flood waters move south. Naval Base San Diego Hosts Boxing CampSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Dozens of Sailors from the local area participated in the All-Navy Boxing Mini-camp Sept. 11 and 12 at the Admiral Prout Field House aboard Naval Base San Diego. SURFPAC Celebrates Ombudsmen's 40th AnniversarySAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ombudsmen program with an awards ceremony honoring 81 ombudsmen in San Diego on Sept. 8th. Re-enactment Honors Inchon Landing's 60th AnniversarySEOUL, South Korea (NNS) -- Inchon, South Korea, took on a movie-set quality Sept. 15 as U.S. Marines and their South Korean and U.N. counterparts re-enacted the massive amphibious landing 60 years ago that ultimately turned the tide in the Korean War. SEALs Bike Across AmericaCORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Six bike riders participating in a Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Foundation charity bike ride received a ceremonial send-off in Coronado, Calif. Sept. 26. San Diego Ensigns Graduate from SWOS IndoctrinationSAN DIEGO - Twenty-eight ensigns were recognized Friday for completing the San Diego Surface Warfare Officers (SWOS) Indoctrination course at a graduation ceremony held at Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) headquarters. USS Sterett (DDG 104) to Depart on Maiden DeploymentSAN DIEGO – The guided-missile destroyer, USS Sterett (DDG 104) will depart San Diego on its maiden deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AOR) Oct. 22. USS Sterett will sail independently to join the deployed Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. Ensigns Graduate from "Baby SWOS" Indoctination CourseSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-eight ensigns were recognized Aug. 19 for completing the San Diego Surface Warfare Officers (SWOS) Indoctrination course during a graduation ceremony held at Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) headquarters. San Diego Area Sailor Receives Purple HeartSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) Sailor received a Purple Heart in recognition of injuries he sustained while in Afghanistan during a ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma Nov. 22. SURFPAC Sailors Exchange Banners with Sunset ElementarySAN DIEGO - Sailors from Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) visited Sunset Elementary School in San Ysidro, Calif., Dec. 13 for a banner exchange celebration as part of the Partners in Education (PIE) Program. Navy Efficiencies AnnouncedWASHINGTON - The Secretary of Defense announced Jan. 6 a series of efficiencies decisions designed to save the Department of Defense more than $150 billion during the next five years. SURFPAC 2010 Sailor of the Year Finalists Arrive in San DiegoSAN DIEGO (Feb. 21, 2011) - Naval Surface Forces Force Master Chief Eric Page stands with the eight finalists for 2010 Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year competition as they gather for a group photo at the San Diego Zoo during a breakfast held for the competition. SURFPAC's Top Fleet, Shore Sailors AnnouncedSAN DIEGO – Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) announced the 2010 SURFPAC Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a banquet at the Marriott Hotel in Coronado, Calif., Feb 25, sponsored by the Surface Navy Association. Surface Families Rally to Support EvacueesSAN DIEGO (April 8, 2011) — Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s (SURFPAC) Ombudsman is leading a campaign to collect donations that began March 26, to support Navy families evacuated from Japan after an earthquake and subsequent Tsunami struck the country March 11. Fun Day for Safety Patrol StudentsSAN DIEGO (May 23, 2011) - San Diego Police Department (SDPD) teamed up with Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet chief petty officers in a tug of war match against the School Safety Patrol (SSP) students. Hunt Takes Command of SURFORSAN DIEGO – Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis was relieved Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt as Commander, Naval Surface Forces (SURFOR) and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during a ceremony at SURFOR headquarters, June 3. |
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