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 (MOI)

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 (AMOI)

Gunnery Sergeant Patrick D. Maley

Gunnery Sergeant Maley was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 2008 and attended Recruit Training in July of 2008 Lima Company 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Depot San Diego, California. In November of 2008 he reported to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California for Marine Combat Training. He was then transferred to Aviation Life Support Systems School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida where he was promoted to the rank of Private First Class, meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal March of 2009 and earned the MOS of 6048.

In July of 2009, upon completion of MOS training, Lance Corporal Maley reported for duty to Marine Aviation Group 31, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. He was assigned to the Aviation Life Support Systems Work Center where he worked as a Flight Equipment Technician. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in October 2010 and assigned as the Work Center Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative. In October of 2010 he attended the Martial Arts School of Excellence where he obtained the secondary MOS of 0916. In April of 2011 he attended Corporals Course, Camp Johnson, North Carolina. In July of 2011 he took part in a unit deployment as an augment with HMH-464 to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan where he was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40, where he served as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge. He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August of 2011. He returned from his deployment in December of 2011 and was reassigned as a Quality Assurance Representative in Quality Assurance.

In June of 2013, Sergeant Maley received orders to Marine Aviation Group 31, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He was assigned as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge and Marine Liaison to the Joint Program Office. He attended Aviation Life Support Systems School for F-35’s.
In June of 2014, Sergeant Maley executed orders to Marine Aviation Group 31, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. He was assigned as the ADVON Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge. In March of 2015 he was assigned to the Fleet Assistance Program to Military Police where he was assigned as the Random Vehicle Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge aboard MCRD Parris Island. He returned to his parent command and was assigned as a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in December of 2015.

In January of 2016, Staff Sergeant Maley executed orders to Drill Instructor School Class 2–16, MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina with further assignment to Recruit Training Regiment, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion Company F and Company G, Recruit training Regiment, Support Battalion Instructional Training Company. He would serve as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor and Martial Arts Instructor Trainer.

In April of 2019, Staff Sergeant Maley reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group II, 3D MAW Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, San Diego, California for duty as the Flight Equipment Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. Staff Sergeant Maley served as the Airframes Division Chief as well as the Power Line Division Chief. In August of 2019 Staff Sergeant Maley attended the Force Fitness Instructor course at the Human Performance Division earning the additional MOS of 0919.

In June of 2021 Staff Sergeant Maley executed temporary additional duties to Marine Aircraft Group II to serve as the Headquarters First sergeant. While serving as the Headquarters First Sergeant he developed, coordinated and executed the first Staff Sergeant Symposium within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Additionally, Staff Sergeant Maley was selected for Assistant Marine Officer Instructor duty at the University of Mississippi.
In March of 2022, Staff Sergeant Maley reported to the University of Mississippi NROTC to serve as the Mid-South Consortium Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, supporting the University of Mississippi and the University of Memphis. Staff Sergeant Maley served as a Sergeant Instructor at Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant in July 2022.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.

1/C and 2/C Advisor

Lieutenant Will C. Givens

Will Givens was raised in Arnett, Oklahoma. In August 2014 he enrolled at Auburn University working on his bachelor’s degree and participating in the Navy ROTC program. Givens completed his bachelor’s degree in Building Science and commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy in May 2019 with a service assignment to submarines.

Ensign Givens began Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina in August 2019. In October 2020 Ensign Givens graduated Nuclear Power School and shortly thereafter began training at the Submarine Basic School in Groton, CT.

In December 2020, Ensign Givens reported to the USS OHIO (SSGN 726) (Blue crew) where he served as the Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA). In February 2021, OHIO began a WESTPAC deployment, operating forward deployed out of Guam, until November of that same year. Givens was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade in May 2021 during that deployment.

In January 2022, OHIO began a major maintenance availability and modernization period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where Givens served as both the MPA and the Information Warfare Officer (IWO). In April 2022 he was qualified in Submarines and in February 2023 he qualified Nuclear Engineer. Givens was promoted to Lieutenant in May of 2023. He served aboard USS OHIO until his transfer in November 2023.

In December 2023, LT Givens reported to the University of Memphis NROTC unit. At Memphis NROTC, he currently serves as the Nuclear Power Officer and I/C and 2/C midshipmen advisor. He teaches courses in engineering and weapons and prepares the next generation of Nuclear Warfare Officers for their technical interview to enter the program.

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

LT Givens is married to Julianna Givens. They have two children, Luke and Ada.

3/C and 4/C 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.