Captain Mark Gillaspie

Capt. Mark Gillaspie, a native of Dakota City, Nebraska, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989. He received his commission through the Enlisted Commissioning Program and graduated from Auburn University in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management. Prior to commissioning, he served eight years as an aviation structural mechanic, including sea tours with Strike Fighter Squadron 37 and Strike Fighter Squadron 86, deploying aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and USS America (CV 66).

His operational assignments include service as main propulsion assistant aboard USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and training officer aboard USS Anzio (CG 68). He completed department head tours as chief engineer with MCM Crew Constant and as maintenance/material officer and chief staff officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1. During these assignments, he deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet aboard USS Dextrous (MCM 10) and USS Boxer (LHD 4).

Gillaspie served as executive officer aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). He also served as executive officer and later commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3, completing two deployments to U.S. 5th Fleet. His most recent sea tour was as chief staff officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7.

His shore assignments include studies in national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School; N31 Current Operations/N40 Surface Warfare Enterprise at Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific; and attendance at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He also served as operations officer for the Sea Combat Division at Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center and as senior assessor for Engineering Assessments Pacific.

Capt. Gillaspie is currently serving as the Commodore of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1.

Capt. Gillaspie's personal awards include six Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, in addition to various unit and service awards.