Dwight Shepherd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rear Admiral
Dwight Shepherd
|
|
|---|---|
Rear Admiral Dwight Shepherd, USN, c. 2014
|
|
| Born | c. 1961 (age 63–64) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1984–2016 |
| Rank |  Rear admiral (lower half) |
| Commands held | Strategic Communications Wing One Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3) |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3) Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3) |
| Alma mater |
|
Rear Admiral Dwight Shepherd is a retired officer from the United States Navy. He was born around 1961. He spent his career as a Naval Flight Officer, which means he helped fly and manage aircraft systems.
His last big job was leading Cyberspace Operations for U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He held this role from 2014 to 2016. Before that, he worked on the Joint Staff helping with personnel from 2012 to 2014. He also served as a top assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, from 2011 to 2012.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Dwight Shepherd grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He went to the University of Cincinnati. In 1983, he earned a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Marketing.
Later, in 2006, he continued his education. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. This degree focused on how countries manage their resources.
Military Career
Shepherd joined the United States Navy in June 1984. He started as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. By July 1985, he earned his wings as a Naval Flight Officer. This meant he was trained to operate advanced aircraft systems.
Shepherd commanded several important units. One was Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3). This was the Navy’s largest aviation squadron.
He also led Strategic Communications Wing One and Task Force 124. These units are part of the "take charge and move out" (TACAMO) program. This program provides vital communication links for the Navy. Shepherd was the first Black officer to command both a TACAMO squadron and an air wing.
Other Important Roles
Shepherd served in many different places. He worked with Patrol Special Projects Unit 2, focusing on aircraft electronics. He also worked with VQ-3, helping with flight procedures and aircraft maintenance.
He served in Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). There, he helped manage communications and information warfare.
On shore, he worked at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He helped assign officers to their first jobs. He also worked at U.S. Strategic Command, dealing with current operations for important communication aircraft. He was also an executive assistant in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV).
Shepherd retired from the United States Navy in August 2016. He served his country for 32 years.
After retiring from the Navy, Shepherd continued to work in important roles. From 2016 to 2019, he was a Vice President at General Dynamics Information Technology. He focused on client relations for the company.
Since December 2018, he has run his own company. It is called Dwight Shepherd Consulting and More, LLC. He uses his experience to help other organizations.
He also joined the Board of Directors at Steampunk in October 2019. Steampunk is a company that specializes in cybersecurity.
