CDR Willis “Max” Long

Past Commanding Officer, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1

08 December 2023 Commander Long is a native of Trenton, North Dakota. He enlisted in the Navy as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate in 1998. Upon completion of Power School, he was selected for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program and earned his commission from the University of Kansas in 2004.

His first assignment was on USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) as the Main Propulsion Division Officer. During his tour, OAK HILL deployed twice to Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Anti-Piracy Operations. His second Division Officer Tour was with Amphibious Squadron 8 as the Current Operations Officer. During his tour, PHIBRON 8 deployed as the Operational Staff for the KEARSARGE ESG to Fifth Fleet in support of OEF and Anti-Piracy Operations.

As a Department Head, Commander Long served as the Combat Systems Officer for LCS Crew 103 “Rough Riders.” During his tour, his crew conducted multiple on-hull periods onboard both USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) and USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3), to include FORT WORTH’s maiden deployment to Seventh Fleet. After fleeting-up to Operations Officer, Crew 103 had to opportunity to deliver and commission USS DETROIT (LCS 7).

Commander Long also served as the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). During his tour, LINCOLN completed the largest Planned Incremental Availability ever conducted in San Diego.

Ashore, Commander Long attended Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA where his thesis received the Surface Navy Association Award for Excellence in Surface Warfare Research. Upon graduation, he served as the Human Systems Integration Lead in the Office of the Chief Engineer at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). Commander Long also served as the Afloat Safety Course Lead at Surface Warfare Officers School.

Commander Long holds a Bachelor of Arts in Medieval European History and a Master of Science in Human Systems Integration.