Active Duty Staff

Commanding Officer

Captain Christopher K. Brusca

A Pico Rivera, CA native, CAPT Chris Brusca enlisted in the Navy after high school in 1993 as an Operations Specialist. While serving aboard USS Vandergrift (FFG 48), he was accepted into the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program. He graduated from the University of San Diego in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. In 2006, he earned a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego School of Business.

He has participated in deployed operations in the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf, Horn of Africa and the Baltics, while participating in operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. At sea, he was the commissioning commanding officer for USS Charleston (LCS 18) and followed with a second command tour of the LCS training ship, USS Kansas City (LCS 22). For Major Command, he was dual hatted as Commander, Logistics Forces U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Military Sealift Command, Central.

Ashore, he served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at NROTC San Diego; at Engineering Assessments Pacific; as the maritime liaison officer for Commander, Joint Special Operations Command; maintenance and material readiness officer for Commander, US Third Fleet; and the Director of Warfighter Integration at The Missile Defense Agency.

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), and various other personal, unit and campaign awards.

Executive Officer

Commander Xiao J. Sun

CDR Xiao J. Sun was born in China and was raised in Parsippany, New Jersey. He is a 2004 graduate from US Naval Academy with BS in Systems Engineering. He earned his Master of Science from University of Arkansas in Operations Management.

CDR Sun’s first assignment was as Communications Officer on USS PRINCETON (CG 59), completing a Mediterranean and Persian Gulf deployment as part of Nimitz Strike Group. After earning his Surface Warfare Officer pin, he attended Nuclear Power School and Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit (Prototype) as part of 0702 class. His nuclear tour was assigned as Reactor Control Division Officer for USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), where he was overall responsible for the safety and operation of number one reactor plant and brought it through initial criticality. He is also a plank owner of USS George H.W. Bush. Ashore, CDR Sun served at Navy Recruiting Command as the NUPOC recruiter and responsible for screening and preparing nuclear officer candidates for their Naval Reactor interviews. His following assignment was at Norwich University, NROTC as the Nuclear Power Officer/Assistant professor of Engineering before being hot filled to United States Transportation Command following lateral transfer to Human Resources. As the Executive Officer J1, CDR Sun directly oversaw five J1 divisions and manning of 12 directorates and sub commands. In 2015, CDR Sun transitioned to the Navy Reserves. In his civilian career, he worked as the Shift Lean Engineering at General Electric - Lighting Division, Area manager in Operations at Nike – North American Logistic Campus, and most recently Project Engineer at Teleflex Medical Distribution. As a reservist, CDR Sun worked at Navy Selections Board Executive Service, and in 2019-2020 he was mobilized with Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) as Plans and Ops Chief. After returning from mobilization, he was by name requested back to Navy Selection Board to oversee ground transportation of all board members during the 2020-2022 COVID pandemic. In 2023, he was once again requested by Navy Personnel Command to plan and implement the new DGM due to Navy manning shortfalls. Additionally, he served as the Shore Placement Officer staffing 274 commands and 1,729 billets; he also served as the Naval Education Branch Head to ensure all Joint Staffed War Colleges billets were staffed at 100%.

CDR Sun is currently serving as the Associate Professor of Naval Science and Executive Officer for NROTC Unit at University of Memphis.

Commander Sun’s personal awards includes 2 Joint Commendation Medal, 3 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, 2 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other unit and campaign awards.

Marine Officer Instructor

Captain Johnathon A. Sutton Jr.

Captain Johnathan A. Sutton Jr. serves as the Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) at the University of Memphis Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). In this role, he is committed to shaping the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers through rigorous training, academic excellence, and character development. With a strong emphasis on honor, courage, and commitment, he instills the leadership qualities necessary for midshipmen to excel as officers, ensuring they are prepared to lead with integrity, resilience, and professionalism in the defense of the nation.

Captain Sutton began his Marine Corps career in 2011, completing Recruit Training and Marine Combat Training before earning his qualification as a Tank System Mechanic in 2013. Over the next several years, he served with 2D Maintenance Battalion, refining his technical and leadership skills through specialized training, including the Martial Arts Instructor Course, Main Battle Tank Technician Course, and SharePoint Site Manager Course.

In 2016, he was accepted into the Marine Enlisted Education Program and attended Officer Candidate School, later graduating from The Basic School (TBS) in 2020–2021, where he honed his warfighting and leadership capabilities. Following TBS, he completed the Marine Corps Combat Engineer Officer Course, leading to an assignment with 2D Combat Engineer Battalion (2021–2024). During this time, he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Battalion Landing Team I/6 (BLT I/6) from 2023–2024, providing critical expeditionary Engineering support in forward-deployed operations. Captain Sutton remains dedicated to continuous professional development and is set to complete Expeditionary Warfare School in 2025, further enhancing his ability to lead and mentor future Marine officers.

Captain Sutton has undergone the following education: B.S. in Kinesiology, University of Illinois, 2020 | Expeditionary Warfare School (anticipated 2025)

Captain Sutton has received the following awards and recognitions: Leadership Award, Corporal’s Course | Honor Graduate, Machine Gun Assistance Instructor Course | Gung Ho Award, Main Battle Tank Technician Course | Gung Ho Award, Officer Candidate School | Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2016, 2020, 2024)

Captain Sutton is married to Karin Sutton, and they have two sons, Judson and Liam. He values time with his family and enjoys fitness, martial arts, and family trips. His passion for leadership, mentorship, and physical fitness directly supports his mission of shaping the next generation of Marine and Navy officers.

Assistant Marine Officer Instructor

Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Broadrick

Gunnery Sergeant Broadrick was born on 9 September 1988 in Champaign, Illinois. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2012.  He attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California.  Upon completion of recruit training, Private Broadrick reported to Camp Pendleton, California, to the Marine Combat Training in April 2012. Upon graduation Private Broadrick reported to 29 Palms, California to attend Enlisted Basic Electronics Course and Aviation Communication Systems Technician Course to obtain the Marine Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 5939.  Private First Class Broadrick received a Certificate of Commendation for graduating first in his class at. Upon graduation, Private First Class Broadrick reported to Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 at Cherry Point, North Carolina.

While serving with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28, Private First Class Broadrick was assigned to the Aviation Radio section, where he served as an Aviation Communication Systems Technician. Private First Class Broadrick was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on 1 March 2013.  In July 2013, Lance Corporal Broadrick deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, with Marine Air Control Group 28. Lance Corporal Broadrick was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 2014.               

In September 2014 Corporal Broadrick received orders to Marine Air Control Squadron 24, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While at MACS-24. In August 2015, Corporal Broadrick was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He served as the Tactical Air Operations Center Detachment Platoon Sergeant, maintaining accountability, and establishing the training schedule of over 20 Marines. Sergeant Broadrick also served as the Aviation Communication Systems Technician Chief, supervising the maintenance, maintenance reporting, and operation of over 7.7 million dollars in assets. Furthermore, he served as the Tactical Data Systems Maintenance Chief during four exercises both within the continental United States, as well as overseas including Emerald Warrior 2018, Artic Challenge 2017, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Exercise 2017, and the White Sands Joint Tactical Data Link Exercise in 2016.

While at Marine Air Control Squadron 24, Sergeant Broadrick also served as the Squadron Color Sergeant, responsible for the training and execution of over 30 local Color Guard events within the community. Sergeant Broadrick also served as the Hampton Roads Single Marine Program President from 2015 to 2017 where he coordinated and supervised over 1,100 hours of volunteer service within the Hampton Roads Community. Additionally, he personally volunteered over 450 hours. For his efforts, Sergeant Broadrick was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal in September of 2018.

In January 2019, Staff Sergeant Broadrick reported to Drill Instructor School Class 2-19 aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He then served with 2d Battalion, Fox Company as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor until April of 2022.

In April 2022, Staff Sergeant Broadrick reported to Air Defense Company Bravo, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 in Beaufort South Carolina where he would serve as Tactical Data Systems Chief and Company Gunnery Sergeant.

In September of 2023, Staff Sergeant Broadrick reported to Air Control Battery, Third Littoral Anti Air Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. During his time with 3d LAAB, Staff Sergeant Broadrick assumed the billet of Maintenance Chief throughout myriad exercises and deployments across the Pacific Region to include Balikatan, Bamboo Eagle, Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, and Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

Gunnery Sergeant Broadrick then executed orders to serve as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor as the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi in August 2025.

Gunnery Sergeant Broadrick’s personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Good Conduct Medal with three bronze stars, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and five Certificates of Commendation.

1/C and 2/C Academic Advisor

Lieutenant Caleb Daymude

Caleb Daymude was raised in Dacula, Georgia. In 2015 he enrolled in The University of Georgia with focuses on Psychology and Applied Mathematics. In 2019 he completed both degrees. While working as a tutor following college, he joined the NUPOC program, leading to his commissioning through OCS in April 2021.

Shortly after Ensign Daymude attended Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating in July 2022. Following this he attended the Submarine Officer Basic Course in Groton, CT.

In October 2022 following SOBC, ENS Daymude attended a 5-week SCUBA Diving School in Panama City, FL, qualifying him to serve as a SCUBA diver for submarines. He then reported to USS DELAWARE (SSN 791) out of Groton, CT.

In February 2023 DEL commenced her maiden deployment, operating throughout the North Atlantic and arctic regions with port calls in Norway and the Faroe Islands before pulling back into Groton in August 2023. During this time, ENS Daymude was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and served as the Damage Control Assistant.

LTJG Daymude operated under various billets throughout the next year, staying with DEL during minor shipyard availabilities and a number of local underway periods, including preparations for the upcoming deployment. In May 2024, he completed Prospective Nuclear Engineer Officer course (PNEO), qualifying him to serve as an Engineer.

Prior to DEL’s second deployment, LTJG Daymude transferred to USS HARTFORD (SSN 768) in December 2024. At this time, HARTFORD was in the midst of a major shipyard availability. During his tenure, LTJG Daymude was promoted to Lieutenant and served as the Main Propulsion Assistant before transferring to Memphis in June 2025.

Currently LT Daymude is preparing to succeed LT Givens as the 1/C and 2/C advisor and Nuclear Power Officer at the University of Memphis NROTC unit. He will teach courses in naval engineering and weapons as well as prepare future Nuclear Warfare Officers for the fleet.

LT Daymude’s personal achievements include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and other unit citations.

3/C and 4/C Academic Advisor

Lieutenant Andrew Keefer

Born in Pensacola, Florida, son of PNCS(SW) USN (ret.) Bruce Keefer and Sharon Bump-Keefer, LT Andrew Keefer graduated from Northshore High School in Slidell, Louisiana in 2007 and enlisted as a Personnel Specialist in the United States Navy in January of 2011. LT Keefer graduated from American Military University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Administration in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management.

After completing PS “A” school in April of 2011, LT Keefer served on board USS ELROD (FFG 55) from May 2011 until decommissioning in her homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in January 2015. Onboard USS ELROD he deployed to Fourth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Operation in 2012 and 2014 respectively. He served as Admin departmental Leading Petty Officer at ELECTRONIC ATTACK SQUADRON ONE FOUR ZERO (VAQ 140) from August 2017 to May 2019, homeported in Whidbey Island, Washington. While attached to VAQ 140 LT Keefer deployed onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) to Sixth Fleet Area of Operation.
Ashore, LT Keefer served at Navy Manpower Analysis Center (NAVMAC) in Millington, TN from 2015 to 2017 as a manpower analyst. During his time at NAVMAC he was selected for Sailor of the Year and was a finalist for BUPERS Sailor of the Year.

LT Keefer was selected to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI and received his commission as a Student Naval Flight Officer in October of 2019. He began his career as a Surface Warfare Officer after being redesignated while at NATTC Pensacola, Florida in October of 2020. LT Keefer reported as the Strike Officer on board USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) homeported in Everett, Washington in June 2021 and completed his Single Longer Tour as the Assistant Weapons Officer in October of 2024.

LT Keefer’s awards include eight Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Battle “E” awards, two Good Conduct Medals and multiple unit and service awards.