David M. Crocker retired as a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy in 2003, following 29 years of active duty. During this tenure, he deployed fourteen times, commanding one aviation squadron and two major combatants – the first being USS INCHON (MCS-12) and the second being USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). He culminated his career as the Commander, U.S. navy Operational Test Force in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a Computer Sciences Corporation Business Development asset in Hampton Roads, Virginia with extensive background in Navy and Joint Developmental and Operational Test requirements and policy as well as NATO and accompanying joint forces requirements as they relate to concept development and experimentation.

He thrived in meeting any challenge through hands-on management and primal leadership skills, specializing in problem solving, organizational analysis and team building. He is a creative leader with acutely honed human resource and political sensitivities, with special focus on the integration of the Navy’s intellectual capital with that of its complex weapon systems. As the Commanding Officer of the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), he led and oversaw the efforts of over 5000 personnel and executed an annual budget of over $365 million to deploy and .and employ this complex strategic national asset.

Among Admiral Crocker’s achievements:

1. Oversaw the planning and execution of over 340 operational test projects, including the Joint Strike Fighter, the AEGIS weapon system, the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet and the Virginia-class submarine. Reported directly to the CNO on all matters of operational effectiveness and reliability, prior to fleet release. Responsible for the proper interpretation and contractual liability of existing Navy requirements as they related to total system performance.

2. As the Deputy Chief of Staff for NATO policy, crafted a new force structure and readiness matrix to ensure that the Alliance was more responsive to the current threats.

3. Developed policy and the necessary infrastructure for a Concept Development and Experimentation program for all nineteen NATO nations and its twenty-six Partners. The process ensured that the best capabilities among Alliance members were instituted in an effort to negate duplicity, and encourage interoperability among the nations as weapon and other deterrent systems were developed and procured.

4. Commanded three separate operationally deployed commands, ranging from aviation command to two ships – the USS INCHON (MCS-12) and the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Each command cited for the highest retention records and recognition and the best operational commands within their respective completive group during his tenure.

5. Converted the USS INCHON form an amphibious warfare ship to the first-ever dedicated Mine Warfare Command and Control ship. In this capacity, the created the strategic vision and critical mission elements to ensure that this capital asset was best utilized. Concomitantly, he crafted and executed a manpower training and readiness document for this one-of-a-kind

6. Completed the arduous Navy Nuclear Power Training Program and performed to its very high standards in the safe operation of two Navy nuclear powered aircraft carriers and their respective nuclear power plants.

7. Served as the “Director for Strategic Integration” for the Joint Strike Fighter while employed with Lockheed Martin. In that capacity, was responsible for the creation of a unified strategic plan that encapsulated eleven separate Integrated Process Teams within Lockheed Martin and three large industrial partners in the form of Lockheed martin, Northrop Grumman Corporation and BAE Systems Incorporated.

He earned a Master Degree in Aeronautical Engineering form the University of West Florida, and a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University. He is also a graduate of the Navy’s Test Pilot School.