CO Biography

Captain Gary K. Waring, USN

Commanding Officer

Captain Gary K. Waring graduated from the University of Michigan and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Program in 1983. His initial assignment at sea was aboard USS CALIFORNIA (CGN-36) serving as Communications and NTDS Officer. He then reported to USS LEFTWICH (DD-984) serving as First Lieutenant and Main Propulsion Assistant. Following completion of Surface Warfare Department Head School, Captain Waring served as Chief Engineer, USS KISKA (AE-35) and then Chief Engineer, USS SACRAMENTO (AOE-1).

Selected for the Executive Officer Special Mission program, he served as Auxiliaries Officer on USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). His most recent at sea tour was onboard Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group THREE / ABRAHAM LINCOLN BATTLE GROUP as Assistant Chief of Staff, Material and Logistics.
During this tour, the ABE LINCOLN BATTLEGROUP conducted a nine and one half month cruise to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Gulf, participating in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, SOUTHERN WATCH, and IRAQI FREEDOM.

Between assignments at sea, Commander Waring served as an instructor and Staff Adjutant at Naval Officer Candidate School; Executive Officer to Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2, United States Forces Korea; and Strategies and Initiatives Branch Head, J3/J4, United States Transportation Command.

Captain Waring served as Commanding Officer, Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest from December 2003-December 2004. His most recent assignment was Assistant Chief of Staff, Operations and then Chief of Staff for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea in Seoul, Republic of Korea. He assumed command of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Unit, Iowa State University in August 2007.

Captain Waring graduated with distinction from the Naval War College with a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs and Foreign Policy.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service, Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation, Joint Service Achievement, and Navy Achievement Medals as well as various campaign and service awards.