LT. CMDR. JAMES A. DIRST III
EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NAVY INFORMATION OPERATIONS COMMAND (NIOC) PENSACOLA
09 May 2024
Lt. Cmdr. Jim Dirst is a native of Indiana and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1999 as a submarine radioman, earning his commission in 2013 following selection to the Limited Duty Officer program. He has completed numerous service schools and is a graduate of Bellevue University earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in cyber security.
As an enlisted member of the Submarine Force from 1999 to 2013, he completed sea duty assignments on USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Gold), completing eight strategic deterrent patrols; and on USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740)(Gold), completing five strategic deterrent patrols. His shore assignments were at Trident Training Facility, Kings Bay, Ga., as a lead instructor and team trainer qualifying Master Training Specialist; and Submarine Squadron 20, Kings Bay, Ga., as the Assistant Communicator.
As a commissioned officer, he served at Naval Information Force, where he was assigned as the Fixed Submarine Broadcast System Maintenance Officer; served as Communications and Information Systems Officer on the staff of Submarine Squadron 19; served as Broadcast Control Authority Officer and Nuclear Command, Control and Communications Officer at Commander Submarine Forces Atlantic, responsible for all communications to and from the Submarine Force worldwide; and served as Deputy Chief of Staff for C4I at Submarine Group 9 prior to his transfer to NIOC Pensacola.
Lt. Cmdr. Dirst’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various other medals and citations.