Mark E. Ferguson III

Naval career Ferguson entered the United States Naval Academy from Glen Burnie, Maryland, with the Class of 1978. He graduated tenth in his class, earning a bachelor's degree in systems engineering and the N* as a member of the lacrosse team.

Following graduation, Ferguson attended nuclear power school at Naval Training Center Orlando, Florida, and nuclear prototype training in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Following completion of surface warfare officer's school in Newport, Rhode Island, he was assigned to the , serving on board from 1980 to 1983.

Ferguson reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and completed his master's degree in computer science. Following department head school, he reported in 1985 to the as operations officer. Although his name was not explicitly mentioned, it was implied the person was Ferguson. He was recognized for the introduction of flexible work programs such as telework, professional sabbaticals, and professional credentialing for navy work experience. He was the personnel policy team leader for the Report of the Comprehensive Review of the Issues Associated with the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", whose publication led to the repeal of the law, and was instrumental in the return of NROTC to Ivy League campuses. He spoke at the Atlantic Council in October 2015 regarding Russia, and was cited in the press regarding resurgent Russian Navy and their construction of an 'arc of steel' from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. During his tenure in command, the navy completed the deployment of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to Rota, Spain, and activated the AEGIS ballistic missile defense site at the former Devaselu Airbase in Romania.

Ferguson was recognized for his support of navy personnel and was designated an honorary chief petty officer, recognized by the SEALs as an 'honorary frogman', and named a distinguished graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2015, he received the Ellis Island Award in New York for his work in innovative personnel policies supporting service members and their families.

He was selected in 2021 to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Awards and decorations

Surface Warfare Officer PinDefense Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service Medal w/ 2 award starsDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit w/ 2 award starsDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal w/ 2 award starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ 1 award starNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit Award w/ 1 oak leaf clusterNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ 1 service starNavy E RibbonNavy Expeditionary MedalNational Defense Service Medal w/ 2 service starsSouthwest Asia Service Medal w/ 2 campaign starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 4 service starsNavy & Marine Corps Overseas Service RibbonNATO Medal for Yugoslavia serviceKuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Allied Joint Force Command Naples