VCNO to be Keynote Speaker for JWB Conference

Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mark Ferguson USN will be the key note speaker at the JWB annual conference at the Naval Academy Annapolis MD. When he was Chief of Naval Personal, then VADM Ferguson was the key player in expanding the SECNAV Instruction allowing broader access to kosher food.

The Vice Chief Of Naval Operations (VCNO)  administers the day to day working of the Navy (things that directly influence the chaplaincy) while the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) manages relations with Congress, the Department of Defense, foreign navies  and the other service Chiefs.

Following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1978, Adm. Ferguson completed nuclear power training prior to entering the fleet as a surface warfare officer.

His afloat assignments include service on board USS South Carolina (CGN 37), USS Fife (DD 991) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He commanded the USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Destroyer Squadron 18.

In addition to various staff assignments, he served as a Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, in Mons, Belgium. He has also served as the assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command, chief of legislative affairs, and chief of naval personnel.

Ferguson holds a master’s degree in computer science from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed a National Security Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School. His awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.