RADM John Okon

President at State University of New York Maritime College

Speaker

Rear Admiral John A. Okon is the 12^th President of Maritime College. He is a native of Syracuse, New York, and graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography, and Unlimited Tonnage Third Mates License. He holds master’s degrees in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, and in National Security Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Upon commissioning, he initially served as a surface warfare officer and transferred to naval oceanography in 1995. He now serves as a member of the Navy’s Information Warfare Community. At sea, he served aboard USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) as first lieutenant, administrative officer and navigator and aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as meteorologist and oceanographer.

Ashore, he served as optimum track ship router at the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center; aide to commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command; operations officer and executive assistant to the deputy director for regional operations, Joint Staff; senior oceanography assignment and placement officer, Navy Personnel Command; and executive assistant to the deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare and director of naval intelligence.

His command tours include Naval Oceanography Antisubmarine Warfare Center in Yokosuka, Japan, and Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Monterey.

After promoting to Flag Officer in 2017, he commanded Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and served as the Oceanographer of the Navy, Navigator of the Navy, and Hydrographer of the Navy, and went on the be Director, Information Warfare Integration OPNAV N2N6, and Vice Commander, US Tenth Fleet/US Fleet Cyber Command. Personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and various personal, campaign and service awards.

He retired from the U.S. Navy on July 1, 2024 and assumed the position of President.