In 2017, after more than 35 years of faithful service to our country and navy, CDR Paul Wilkes, the last LDO (6810) commander to serve in the Cryptologic Warfare community retired.  CDR Wilkes biography follows:

Commander Paul W. Wilkes,
American Naval Officer and Cryptologist

Commander Paul W. Wilkes is a native of North Reading Ma.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1982 serving as an undesignated seaman until he completed CTR “A” School in 1983.  As an enlisted technician, he performed as a fleet signals intelligence operator and analyst in support of tactical Fleet Forces on various surface units.

Commander Wilkes was initiated as a Chief Petty Officer in 1993 and commissioned via the Limited Duty Officer program in 1995.  Between 1995 and 2001 his assignments included tours at the Naval Technical Training Center, Corry Station; Fleet Intelligence Warfare Center, San Diego; USS Constellation (CV 64); Commander Cruiser Destroy Group One;  USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74),  and USS Peleliu (LHA 5)

In 2001, he transferred to USS Elliot (DD 967) to serve as signals warfare officer and completed two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 In 2003, Commander Wilkes was assigned to the Commander Naval Surface Forces, San Diego to serve as the Force Cryptologist.

In 2005, he was assigned to 4th Psychological Operations Group, Ft Bragg, N.C., where he deployed seven times to MNFI/MNCI Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, CENTCOM Qatar, NAVCENT Bahrain, and Naval Special Warfare Unit 3.

In 2011, Commander Wilkes reported aboard the Center for Information Dominance initially as the Operations Officer, and later served as the Executive Officer, assuming those duties in September 2011.

In 2013, he transferred to NSA GEORGIA to serve as the Chief Data Acquisition, FT. Gordon, GA Senior Manager and Intelligence Liaison Officer where he interacted with national level agencies and coordinated with, USCYBERCOM, USSOCOM, USCENTCOM and USAFRICOM Joint Staffs in the areas of military planning and operations for deterrence activities to crisis response and limited contingency operations for 1500 personnel directorate.

In 2015, Commander Wilkes transferred to CIWT to serve as the Director of Training for Cryptologic Training. In 2017 Commander Wilkes retired after 35 years of service with 15 years on sea duty and 9 years boots on ground.

In retirement, he deployed to Afghanistan for 18 months as a senior advisor on the ISAF staff.

His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards) Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (5 awards), Good conduct (3 awards) and various campaign ribbons and medals. Silver award for Morse code. Qualifications: ESWS/EAWS/MTS/IDWO/SWO/TAO/OOD/BWC

Our community is better because of you. Thank you Shipmate!