D.C. Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vice Admiral
D.C. Curtis
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Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis, official USN photograph 2009
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| Born | December 13, 1953 Japan |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1976–2011 |
| Rank |  Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Naval Surface Forces Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Naval Surface Group 2 Carrier Strike Group 11 Destroyer Squadron 14 USS Wainwright (CG-28) USS Donald B. Beary (FFT-1085) |
| Battles/wars | Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal |
| Alma mater | |
Derwood Clayiborne Curtis (born December 13, 1953) is a retired Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. He was a very important leader, serving as the Commander of Naval Surface Forces. This means he was in charge of many ships and sailors that operate on the ocean's surface. He held this important role from March 2008 to June 2011.
Contents
Life and Early Career
Vice Admiral Curtis was born in Japan on December 13, 1953. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, he attended the United States Naval Academy. This is a special college for people who want to become officers in the Navy. He graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in political science.
After graduating, he became a Navy officer. He then went to a special school in Newport, Rhode Island. This school taught him how to be a surface warfare officer. He even won an award called the Arleigh Burke Award for his excellent performance.
Throughout his career, Vice Admiral Curtis had many different jobs. He worked both at sea on ships and on land at various Navy bases.
Serving on Ships
He served on several ships, learning how they operate. Some of these ships included the USS Moinester, USS Thorn, and USS Dahlgren. He also worked with large groups of ships, like the Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2.
Later, he became an executive officer on the USS Scott. This role is like being the second-in-command of a ship. He also helped lead bigger Navy groups, like the 2nd Fleet.
Vice Admiral Curtis also had several important command roles. This means he was the main leader in charge.
- He commanded the USS Wainwright and the USS Donald B. Beary.
- He led Destroyer Squadron 14, which is a group of destroyer ships.
- He was in charge of Naval Surface Group 2.
- One of his biggest commands was leading Carrier Strike Group 11. This is a very large group of Navy ships, including an aircraft carrier, that works together.
Shore Assignments
When not at sea, Vice Admiral Curtis had important jobs on land.
- He worked at the U.S. Naval Academy, helping to train new officers.
- He worked in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, which helps manage Navy sailors.
- He also worked in offices that plan for new Navy ships and equipment.
- He served as an assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, helping with important decisions.
- His last major role was as the commander of Naval Surface Force, Atlantic. In this job, he made sure that surface ships on the East Coast were ready for their missions.
Awards and Education
Vice Admiral Curtis received many awards for his excellent service in the Navy. Some of his top awards include:
- The Legion of Merit
- The Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- The Meritorious Service Medal
He also received other awards like the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Besides his bachelor's degree, he earned a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University. He also studied at the National Defense University and the NATO Defense College. These schools help military leaders learn about national defense and international relations.
