CAPT Jay Clark

Past Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron DESRON 1 (CDS 1)

30 June 2020 Capt. Jay Clark is a native of Pembroke, Georgia and graduated from Bryan County High School. He is a 1995 graduate of Morris Brown College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and received his commission through Morehouse Naval ROTC in Atlanta. He graduated from Naval Postgraduate School with a Master’s Degree in Systems Management and Naval War College with a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
 
His sea duty assignments include tours in USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) as an engineering and deck division officer; USS Hayler (DD 997) as navigator and administration officer; USS Ross (DDG 71) as chief engineer; Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT as the materiel and logistics officer; and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) as executive officer and commanding officer. Roosevelt deployed with the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, and won the Energy Conservation, Golden Anchor and Battle “E” awards during his command.
 
His shore duty assignments include Flag Aide to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa; Flag Aide to Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples; Destroyers Branch head in OPNAV N96, Deputy Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and Commanding Officer of Afloat Training Group Mayport.
 
Clark took command of Destroyer Squadron 1 in June of 2020.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the 2003-2004 Commander, Naval Surface Force Leadership Award.