Fernandez Ponds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernandez L. Ponds
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Frank" |
| Born | 1959 (age 65–66) |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1983–2015 |
| Rank |  Rear admiral (lower half) |
| Commands held |
|
| Awards |
|
| Spouse(s) | Carol |
| Relations | Sherese (daughter), Fernandez, Jr. (son) |
| Website | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandez-frank-ponds-884bb01b |
_crest.png){kind=small}
Fernandez Lewis "Frank" Ponds (born in 1959) is a retired officer from the United States Navy. He served in the Navy for many years. He was in charge of a large ship called the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3). He also commanded a destroyer ship named USS Fife (DD-991). Before that, he was a second-in-command (executive officer) on another destroyer, the USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frank Ponds grew up in Autaugaville, Alabama. He went to the University of Alabama and earned a bachelor's degree in 1982.
He continued his education while serving in the military. He earned several master's degrees:
- A master's degree in military studies from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
- A master's degree in information systems technology from George Washington University.
- A master's degree in national security strategy from the National Defense University.
Frank Ponds had a long and important career in the U.S. Navy. He held many leadership roles.
Leading Destroyer Ships
Ponds served as the executive officer (second-in-command) of the USS Paul F. Foster. This role prepares officers for commanding their own ships.
Commanding the USS Fife
From 2001 to 2003, Ponds was the commanding officer of the USS Fife. This was a type of ship called a destroyer. He was the last person to command the USS Fife before it was taken out of service in February 2003.
Leading Amphibious Operations
Amphibious Squadron EIGHT
In 2007, Ponds became the leader of Amphibious Squadron EIGHT. This group of ships often works together to transport and land troops. He was based on the USS Kearsarge, a large amphibious assault ship. During this time, he was called a "Commodore," which is an honorary title for a senior officer in charge of a group of ships.
His work during this period included:
- Leading operations to stop piracy off the coast of Somalia.
- Helping with disaster relief after a hurricane in Bangladesh, called Operation Sea Angel II.
- Taking part in Operation Continuing Promise, which provided more relief efforts in Haiti after it was hit by a hurricane.
Later Career and Retirement
Joint Task Force Guantanamo
In April 2015, Frank Ponds was chosen to be the fifteenth commandant of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. This is a special military group.
Later in 2015, Ponds retired from the U.S. Navy after many years of service.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Frank Ponds received many awards for his excellent service. These include:
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit (four times)
- Meritorious Service Medal (five times)
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three times)
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Personal Life
Frank Ponds is married to Carol. They have two children: a daughter named Sherese and a son named Fernandez, Jr.
