CDR John I. Actkinson

Past Executive Officer, USS Charleston (LCS 18) Gold Crew

24 February 2021 A native of San Antonio, Texas, Cmdr. Actkinson enlisted in the Navy in May 1996 under the delayed entry program and began his service in September 1996 as an Aegis Fire Controlman. Upon graduation from Computer and Display C-School, he reported to USS Stethem (DDG 63) in San Diego, CA. While aboard DDG 63, he earned his ESWS pin and was selected for entrance to the United States Naval Academy via the USNA Preparatory School. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in Oceanography and later received his masters from the Naval Post Graduate School in 2011 with a degree in Engineering Acoustics.

His first officer sea duty tour was on MCM Crew Bulwark as the Combat Information Center Officer. While on Bulwark, he served aboard USS Chief (MCM 14), USS Sentry (MCM 3), and deployed on USS Ardent (MCM 13) in U.S. FIFTH Fleet. Following this tour, he reported to Charleston, SC, for the Naval Nuclear Power Program. Upon graduation from the Ballston Spa MARF prototype, he reported to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) where he served as a Machinery Division Officer. His Department Head tours were on USS McClusky (FFG 41) as the Operations Officer and then aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the Main Propulsion Assistant.

While ashore, he served as the Surface Nuclear Community Manager (PERS-42D1) at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN. After his tour at NPC, he served as the Operations Officer at Engineering Assessments Pacific in San Diego, CA.

Upon return to sea Cmdr. Actkinson was the pre-commissioning unit executive officer of USS Cincinnati Gold Crew from May 2020 through January 2021.  His current assignment is executive officer of USS Charleston (LCS 18) Gold Crew.

Cmdr. Actkinson’s personal decorations, medals, campaign, and service awards are all due to the hard work and dedication of the great Sailors he has been fortunate enough to serve with.